Illinois Required Landlord Disclosures: What You Must Tell Tenants

Providing the correct written disclosures is a fundamental part of the leasing process in Illinois. Omitting required attachments can render a lease voidable by the tenant or invite severe regulatory fines.

Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are governed by the Illinois Compiled Statutes (765 ILCS 730 - Rent Concession Act)Preview unavailable.

Federal Disclosures

Lead-Based Paint

In accordance with federal law, landlords renting properites built before 1978 must:

• Disclose all known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the unit.
• Attach a lead warning statement to the lease.
• Provide tenants with the EPA-approved information pamphlet, "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."

Statewide Illinois Disclosures

1. Radon Hazard Disclosure

Under the Illinois Radon Awareness Act (420 ILCS 44), landlords are not required to test for radon. However, if a landlord does conduct a test and the results reveal a radon hazard, they are legally bound to disclose this hazard in writing to any prospective or current tenants.

2. Residential Real Property Disclosure Act

Under the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 77), landlords engaging in specific residential leasing arrangements, such as a lease with an option to purchase or a ground lease, must provide a written disclosure report regarding the material conditions of the property before the contract is signed.

3. Shared Utilities / Master Meter

If a tenant's utility meter measures electricity, gas, or water usage for areas outside of their specific unit (such as common areas, laundry rooms, or other units), the landlord must disclose this in the lease. They must clearly explain how the utility bill is divided and provide past utility bills upon request.

4. Concession Disclosures

If a landlord is offering a rent concession (e.g., "first month free"), Illinois law mandates that the lease must clearly bear the words "Concession Granted" to ensure the tenant understands the actual long-term monthly financial obligation.

Local Ordinance Disclosures

Different municipalities carry varying heavy disclosure requirements.

Chicago (CRLTO)

Landlords operating in Chicago must supply tenants with several unique documents:

• A summary of the CRLTO itself.
• Information regarding security deposit interest.
• Information regarding bed bug protocols and reporting.
• Contact information of the property owner/manager who is authorized to receive legal notices.
• A disclosure of any pending building code violations against the property.

Suburban Cook County (RTLO)

The RTLO requires similar extensive disclosures to Chicago, including owner contact details and a summary of the tenant rights outlined in the ordinance.

Best Practices

Always include these disclosures as explicit addenda attached to the standard lease agreement. Require the tenant to initial each separate disclosure to document that they were provided and reviewed.

How Landager Helps

Landager tracks lease terms, required compliance items, and accounting records - making it easy to stay compliant with Illinois regulations.

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