Illinois Required Landlord Disclosures: What You Must Tell Tenants

Providing the correct written disclosures is a fundamental part of the leasing process in Illinois. Since attaining statehood on December 3, 1818, Illinois has established a comprehensive framework of statutes to protect both parties. 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 705 - Landlord and Tenant Act)Preview unavailable.

Federal Disclosures

Lead-Based Paint

In accordance with federal law, landlords renting properties 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 Radon Awareness Act (420 ILCS 46/26), landlords are not required to test for radon. However, for any lease of a dwelling unit located below the third story above ground level, the landlord must provide the tenant with:

• The IEMA-OHS pamphlet "Radon Guide for Tenants".
• The "Disclosure of Information on Radon Hazards to Tenants" form.
• Copies of any records or reports pertaining to radon concentrations that indicate a hazard.

These documents must be provided at the time of application or before the lease is entered into.

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 per the Tenant Utility Payment Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 740). 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"), the Rent Concession Act (765 ILCS 730/3) mandates that the lease must bear a legend across the face and text thereof, plainly legible and in letters not less than one-half inch in height, consisting of the words "Concession Granted." Additionally, the lease must contain a memorandum on the margin or across the face stating the amount, extent, and nature of the concession.

5. Flood Hazard Disclosure (New for 2025)

Effective January 1, 2025, under 765 ILCS 705/25, landlords must disclose in writing prior to the execution of the lease if a dwelling unit is located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area. For lower-level units (garden, basement, or first floor), landlords must also disclose if the unit or real property has experienced flooding in the last 10 years and the frequency of such flooding.

Local Ordinance Disclosures

Different municipalities carry varying 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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