Illinois • Updated 2025

Illinois Lease Agreement Template

Free, state-specific lease agreement template fully compliant with Illinois law. Download instantly in PDF or Word format — no email required.

Lease Agreements in Illinois

Illinois landlord-tenant law is primarily governed by state statutes and local ordinances. Chicago has its own Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), which is one of the most comprehensive local tenancy laws in the country and applies to most rental properties within Chicago city limits. Outside of Chicago, Illinois follows the general state landlord-tenant statutes (765 ILCS). Illinois does not have statewide rent control. Security deposits must be kept in a federally insured interest-bearing account, and the landlord must provide the tenant with the account information and pay interest annually.

Illinois Lease Agreement Key Facts

Security Deposit Limit
No statutory limit (but must be held in interest-bearing account)
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days (Chicago: 30 days if no deductions; 30 days with itemized list)
Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month
30 days
Rent Control
No statewide rent control; Chicago has none currently
Eviction Notice (Non-Payment)
5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
Landlord Entry Notice
2 days (Chicago RLTO)
Governing Law
765 ILCS 710 (state); Chicago RLTO (Chicago only)

Illinois Legal Requirements

  • Security deposits must be held in a federally insured interest-bearing account (765 ILCS 710/1).
  • Landlords must disclose the financial institution holding the deposit and pay annual interest.
  • Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 properties.
  • Chicago landlords must provide tenants a copy of the Chicago RLTO summary.
  • Chicago landlords must disclose if the building is in foreclosure.
  • Landlords must maintain the property in compliance with local building and health codes.

Illinois Governing Laws

765 ILCS 710/1
Security Deposit Interest Act
Requires landlords in buildings with 25 or more units to hold security deposits in federally insured interest-bearing accounts and pay annual interest to tenants. Failure allows tenants to deduct twice the deposit from rent.
Chicago RLTO § 5-12-110
Chicago Tenant Remedies
Provides Chicago tenants with specific remedies including rent withholding, repair-and-deduct, and lease termination when landlords fail to maintain habitability or comply with the RLTO.

Illinois Lease Agreement — FAQ