Chicago Residential Lease Agreement (2026 Update – RLTO Legal Series)

CITY OF CHICAGO · STATE OF ILLINOIS

Residential

LEASE AGREEMENT

An RLTO-compliant form for residential tenancies within the City of Chicago — fixed term or month-to-month.

This summary is a convenience reference only; the operative terms of the tenancy are stated in the body of this Agreement. Where the Premises is subject to the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, non-waivable RLTO rights and remedies control over any inconsistent provision.

AGREEMENT

This Chicago Residential Lease Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of ____________________, 20____, by and between the Landlord and Tenant identified below for residential Premises located within Chicago, Illinois:

Landlord: ______________________________________________________________________

Landlord mailing address: ________________________________________________________

Tenant(s): _____________________________________________________________________

(each a “Tenant” and collectively “Tenant”). If more than one Tenant signs this Agreement, all Tenants are jointly and severally liable for all obligations under this Agreement, including the full amount of Rent, regardless of any private allocation among them. Notice to or from any one Tenant constitutes notice to or from all Tenants.

RLTO Applicability (check one)

☐ The Premises is subject to the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.

☐ Landlord claims the following RLTO exclusion under Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-020: ________________________________________________. Landlord should confirm the exclusion before using this form.

Landlord represents that Landlord, or Landlord’s authorized agent, has authority to lease to Tenant the residential dwelling located at:

Street address: ______________________________________________________________

City: Chicago County: Cook (or applicable Illinois county if other)

State: Illinois Zip: _____________

Unit/Apartment No. (if any): __________________ (the “Premises”).

For good and valuable consideration, Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:

§ 1. TERM

This Agreement begins on ________________________________ (“Commencement Date”). The parties select one of the following (check exactly one):

☐ Fixed Term. The fixed term begins on the Commencement Date and ends at 11:59 p.m. on ____________________________ (“Termination Date”). Tenant must vacate the Premises by the Termination Date unless Landlord and Tenant sign a written extension or new lease, or unless Landlord accepts Rent for a period after the Termination Date in a manner that creates a month-to-month tenancy under Illinois law. If Landlord intends not to renew this Agreement at the end of the Term, or intends to renew at a different Rent, Landlord shall provide written notice to Tenant in accordance with the tiered notice periods of the Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance (RLTO § 5-12-130(j)): thirty (30) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for less than six (6) months; sixty (60) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for at least six (6) months but less than three (3) years; and one hundred twenty (120) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for three (3) or more years.

☐ Month-to-Month Tenancy. This Agreement continues month to month until terminated by either party by written notice given before the desired termination date. As required by Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-130(j), Landlord’s minimum notice period for termination, non-renewal, or Rent increase is: (i) thirty (30) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for less than six (6) months; (ii) sixty (60) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for at least six (6) months but less than three (3) years; and (iii) one hundred twenty (120) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for three (3) or more years. Notice may be given on any calendar day unless applicable law requires otherwise. Longer notice periods required by federal, state, local, or subsidized-housing law continue to apply.

§ 2. RENT

Tenant shall pay Landlord Rent in the amount and on the schedule below. Rent is due in advance without demand, setoff, or deduction except as required by law.

Monthly Rent: $ ____________________________

Monthly Rent in words: ____________________________________________________ Dollars

Tenant shall pay Monthly Rent in advance on or before the ______ day of each month.

Acceptable forms of Rent payment (check all that apply; Landlord must make at least one method available at all times that does not require Tenant to pay a transaction fee):

☐ Personal check

☐ Cash, delivered to Landlord or Landlord’s business office at the address stated below, with receipt provided

☐ Money order

☐ Cashier’s check

☐ Electronic payment portal: ________________________________________

☐ Other no-fee method: ____________________________________________

Landlord’s required no-fee Rent payment method is: ___________________________________.

If Landlord uses an electronic payment method or third-party portal that charges Tenant a transaction fee, Landlord shall also allow Tenant to pay Rent by paper check, cash delivered to Landlord or Landlord’s business office, money order, cashier’s check, or another method that does not require Tenant to pay that transaction fee, as required by Illinois law. This no-fee option must remain available throughout the Term unless another lawful no-fee method is substituted by written notice.

If a payment is returned unpaid, rejected, reversed, stopped, or otherwise dishonored, Landlord may require Tenant, by written notice, to make future payments for up to three (3) months by certified funds, money order, cashier’s check, cash delivered to Landlord or Landlord’s business office, or another lawful method that does not violate Illinois rent-payment-method requirements. Tenant shall pay Landlord a returned-payment fee of $_________________ (not to exceed the maximum amount permitted by 810 ILCS 5/3-806 and other applicable law), plus any bank or service-provider charges incurred by Landlord, to the extent permitted by law. Late charges continue to accrue only as permitted by this Agreement and applicable law until full payment in good funds is received.

§ 3. SECURITY DEPOSIT

The Security Deposit is not Rent. Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord a Security Deposit in the amount of $____________________ (______________________________________________ Dollars). Landlord may apply the Security Deposit only as permitted by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (“RLTO,” Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-080) and other applicable law, including for unpaid Rent or other lawful amounts owed, damage to the Premises beyond ordinary wear and tear, and other losses recoverable under this Agreement or applicable law.

Financial institution name: ____________________________________________________

Financial institution address: __________________________________________________

Account type or identifying description (optional): ________________________________

If the Security Deposit is transferred to a different financial institution, Landlord shall notify Tenant in writing of the new institution’s name and address within fourteen (14) days after transfer.

Written Receipt (RLTO § 5-12-080(c))

Upon receiving the Security Deposit or any portion of it, Landlord shall provide a written receipt signed by the person accepting the deposit and stating the amount received, the date received, the name of the person receiving it, Landlord’s or owner’s name, the Premises or unit identification, and the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit will be held.

Interest on Security Deposit (RLTO §§ 5-12-080 and 5-12-081)

If Landlord holds the Security Deposit for more than six (6) months, Landlord shall pay or credit interest on each twelve-month anniversary of the date the deposit was paid, within thirty (30) days after the end of each such twelve-month rental period, at the rate published annually by the City of Chicago Comptroller for the applicable year. Interest shall be paid by cash or rent credit, as permitted by law. Landlord shall attach the current Chicago Security Deposit Interest Rate Summary/Rider when a Security Deposit is taken.

Return and Itemization (RLTO § 5-12-080(d))

Within thirty (30) days after Tenant vacates the Premises, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a written, itemized statement of any deductions for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, accompanied by paid receipts or, if paid receipts are not yet available, estimates supported by paid receipts delivered within the time required by law. Within forty-five (45) days after Tenant vacates the Premises, Landlord shall return the balance of the Security Deposit plus any unpaid accrued interest. The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, 765 ILCS 710, and the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act, 765 ILCS 715, are supplemented and, where stricter, preempted by RLTO § 5-12-080.

Forwarding Address

Tenant shall provide Landlord with a forwarding address in writing on or before vacating. Absent a written forwarding address, Landlord may deliver notices, itemized statements, and returns to the Premises or Tenant’s last known address to the extent permitted by law.

No Waiver; RLTO Penalty Notice

This Section does not waive any remedy provided by the RLTO, the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, or other applicable law, including Tenant’s right under RLTO § 5-12-080(f) to recover two times the Security Deposit, plus interest, plus reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, for violations of the security-deposit requirements.

No Statewide Cap; Stricter Local Ordinances

Illinois law does not impose a statewide cap on the Security Deposit. Where the Premises is subject to a local ordinance imposing additional or stricter security-deposit requirements, the stricter requirement controls and is incorporated into this Agreement.

§ 4. USE OF PREMISES

The Premises shall be used and occupied solely by Tenant and the following authorized occupants as a private residence:

Authorized occupants (in addition to Tenant): ________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

No other person may use or occupy the Premises as a resident for more than fourteen (14) consecutive days or thirty (30) days in any twelve (12)-month period without Landlord’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld for any unlawful or discriminatory reason. Transient relatives and friends who are bona fide guests of Tenant are permitted within these limits.

No part of the Premises shall be used for unlawful activity, nuisance, lodging or transient occupancy, short-term rental, hotel use, or any business use that increases risk, violates law, violates insurance requirements, materially disturbs others, or involves customer/client visits, without Landlord’s prior written consent. Routine home-office activity that does not violate zoning, insurance, HOA/ condominium rules, or this Agreement is permitted.

Tenant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting the cleanliness, use, occupancy, and preservation of the Premises.

Nothing in this Section shall be construed or applied to limit occupancy or use in a manner that violates the federal Fair Housing Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance, the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, the Cook County Just Housing Amendment where applicable, or any other applicable local human-rights ordinance, including with respect to familial status, marital status, disability, source of income (including Housing Choice Vouchers and other lawful rent assistance), criminal-history screening protections, or other protected classifications.

§ 5. CONDITION OF PREMISES

Tenant acknowledges that Tenant has had an opportunity to inspect the Premises before signing. Except for conditions identified in a Move-In Condition Report (Exhibit _____), written notice delivered to Landlord within seven (7) days after possession, or any condition Landlord is required to disclose under Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-100, Tenant accepts the Premises in clean condition. Nothing in this Section waives or limits Landlord’s non-waivable duties under applicable law, including the implied warranty of habitability recognized under Illinois law and Landlord’s duties under RLTO §§ 5-12-070, 5-12-100, 5-12-110, and 5-12-160.

§ 6. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

(a) Subletting. As required by Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-120, Tenant has the right to sublet the Premises. If Tenant seeks to vacate before the end of the Term or otherwise proposes a sublease, Tenant shall give Landlord reasonable advance written notice and provide the proposed subtenant’s name, contact information, proposed occupancy dates, and reasonably requested screening information. Landlord shall accept a reasonable sublease proposed by Tenant without charging additional fees or penalties, but may reject a proposed subtenant or sublease for lawful, non-discriminatory reasons that make the proposal unreasonable. Landlord may recover actual, lawful third-party screening costs to the extent permitted by applicable law. Unless Landlord and Tenant agree in writing to a release, Tenant remains responsible for performance of this Agreement, including Rent and damage caused by the subtenant, to the extent permitted by law.

(b) Assignment and License. Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or grant any license to use the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent, which Landlord may withhold for any lawful, non-discriminatory reason unless applicable law provides otherwise. Landlord’s consent to one assignment or license is not consent to any later assignment or license. Any unauthorized assignment, sublease, or license is voidable by Landlord and constitutes a material default, subject to any notice and cure rights required by applicable law.

§ 7. ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

Tenant shall make no alterations, installations, additions, or improvements to the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent, except as required by applicable fair-housing or disability-accommodation law. Landlord may condition consent on lawful requirements, including professional installation, permits, lien-free work, restoration at move-out, and proof of insurance where appropriate. Unless otherwise provided by written agreement or applicable law, any Tenant alterations, installations, additions, or improvements become Landlord’s property and remain on the Premises at expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

§ 8. NON-DELIVERY OF POSSESSION

If Landlord cannot deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant on the Commencement Date through no fault of Landlord, Rent shall abate until possession is delivered. Landlord shall have thirty (30) days from the Commencement Date to deliver possession unless a shorter period is inserted here: ______ days. If possession is delivered within that period, Tenant shall accept the Premises and Rent shall commence as of the delivery date, prorated for a partial month. If possession is not delivered within that period, either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice, in which case Landlord shall promptly return prepaid Rent and the Security Deposit, less any lawful amounts owed. Landlord shall not be liable for damages unless required by applicable law or unless the delay results from Landlord’s bad faith or willful misconduct.

Nothing in this Section limits any non-waivable right or remedy Tenant may have under the RLTO, including rights relating to habitability, essential services, unlawful exclusion, or other landlord noncompliance.

§ 9. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Tenant shall not store or use explosives, flammable materials, hazardous substances, illegal drugs, or other items that unreasonably increase fire, environmental, safety, or insurance risk, except ordinary household products used and stored in customary quantities and in accordance with law. Smoking, vaping, cannabis cultivation, and open-flame devices are prohibited unless expressly allowed in a written addendum. This prohibition does not prohibit lawful possession or non-smoking/non-vaping cannabis use that cannot lawfully be prohibited under the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, but Tenant remains responsible for compliance with law and for damage, nuisance, odor, or lease violations caused by Tenant or Tenant’s guests.

§ 10. UTILITIES

Utilities and services shall be arranged and paid as follows. Tenant shall maintain continuous utility service for all utilities Tenant is responsible for during the Term, except to the extent interrupted by utility-provider outage or other causes beyond Tenant’s control. Landlord shall not shut off, interrupt, or fail to provide essential services except as permitted by law, and nothing in this Agreement limits Tenant’s remedies for essential-services failures under RLTO § 5-12-110(f).

If Tenant is responsible for heat, or if heat costs are separately metered, billed, allocated, or otherwise paid by Tenant, Landlord shall provide the Chicago Heat Cost Disclosure required by applicable Chicago law before execution of this Agreement. Landlord shall comply with applicable minimum-heat and essential-services requirements.

If any utility is submetered or allocated (RUBS or similar), the method of allocation shall be: _______________________________________________________________________________.

Separately billed charges shall be billed to Tenant as follows: _______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________.

Utility / Service Responsibility

§ 11. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR; RULES

Tenant shall keep the Premises clean and sanitary, use fixtures and systems properly, promptly notify Landlord of needed repairs, and be responsible for damage caused by Tenant, occupants, guests, invitees, pets, or Tenant’s failure to comply with this Agreement. Landlord remains responsible for repairs and maintenance that are Landlord’s responsibility under this Agreement, the implied warranty of habitability, building and housing codes, Chicago Municipal Code §§ 5-12-070 and 5-12-110, and applicable Illinois law, including structural, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems components not damaged by Tenant or Tenant’s guests, ordinary wear and tear, and casualty not caused by Tenant or Tenant’s guests. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Tenant shall comply with the following duties:

• Not obstruct driveways, sidewalks, courts, entryways, stairs, or halls, which shall be used for ingress and egress only;

• Keep all windows, glass, window coverings, doors, locks, and hardware in good, clean order and repair;

• Not obstruct or cover the windows or doors;

• Not leave windows or doors in an open position during any inclement weather;

• Not hang laundry, clothing, sheets, or similar items from any window, railing, porch, or balcony, except in areas designated by Landlord or by HOA/condominium rules;

• Not cause or permit any locks or hooks to be placed upon any door or window without Landlord’s prior written consent;

• Keep all air conditioning filters clean and free from dirt;

• Keep all lavatories, sinks, toilets, and other water and plumbing apparatus in good order and repair and use them only for the purposes for which they were constructed; Tenant shall not allow sweepings, rubbish, sand, rags, ashes, or other substances to be thrown or deposited therein, and any damage to such apparatus and the cost of clearing stopped plumbing resulting from misuse shall be borne by Tenant;

• Together with occupants, guests, and invitees, maintain order in and around the Premises and not make or permit loud, improper, or unreasonable noise that disturbs neighbors or other residents;

• Keep televisions, stereos, speakers, gaming systems, and other audio/video equipment at a sound level that does not unreasonably annoy or interfere with neighbors or other residents;

• Deposit all trash, garbage, rubbish, and refuse in the locations provided and not allow trash or refuse to be deposited or remain on the exterior of any building or within the common elements; and

• Comply with all lawful, reasonable, and non-discriminatory rules and regulations adopted by any condominium or homeowners’ association having control over the Premises or common areas, provided that any such rules delivered after the Commencement Date shall not materially change the economic terms of this Agreement unless Tenant agrees in writing.

Nothing in this Agreement waives Tenant’s rights or remedies under RLTO § 5-12-110, including repair-and-deduct, rent withholding, termination, damages, essential-services remedies, and attorney-fee remedies where available, or under the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act, 765 ILCS 742, including statutory notice, eligibility, dollar limits, and procedural requirements.

§ 12. INSURANCE

Landlord, Landlord’s agent or manager, and the applicable Condominium or Homeowners’ Association are not responsible for insuring Tenant’s or Tenant’s permitted visitors’ personal property, vehicles, relocation costs, or liability unless required by law.

Renter’s Insurance (check one)

☐ Recommended only. Tenant is strongly encouraged to obtain renter’s insurance.

☐ Required. Tenant shall obtain and maintain throughout the Term a renter’s insurance policy with personal-property coverage of at least $_______________ and personal-liability coverage of at least $_______________ (suggested minimum if Landlord requires coverage: $100,000 personal liability, unless a different lawful amount is inserted), naming Landlord as an additional interest (notice-only). Tenant shall provide proof of coverage to Landlord within fifteen (15) days after the Commencement Date and within fifteen (15) days after each renewal, subject to any accommodation required by law.

Tenant shall not engage in conduct or permit conditions caused by Tenant, occupants, guests, invitees, pets, or Tenant’s property that cause cancellation of Landlord’s insurance or an increase in premium. Tenant shall be responsible for premium increases or losses caused by Tenant’s breach, to the extent permitted by law.

§ 13. DAMAGE TO PREMISES

If the Premises are destroyed or rendered wholly uninhabitable by fire, flood, windstorm, tornado, or any other casualty not caused by Tenant’s negligence or intentional act, this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of such casualty, subject to the parties’ accrued rights. Rent shall be accounted for through the date of casualty; Tenant shall pay any Rent owed through that date, and Landlord shall refund any prepaid Rent or Security Deposit covering the period thereafter, subject to lawful deductions. If casualty substantially impairs habitability or lawful occupancy of only part of the Premises, Rent shall abate in proportion to the loss of use from the date of casualty. Landlord shall, within thirty (30) days after the casualty, deliver written notice to Tenant electing either to repair within a reasonable time or terminate this Agreement if repair is impracticable or not economically reasonable. Tenant may terminate only if permitted by applicable law or if Landlord fails to restore habitability within the time required by law after required notice. Nothing in this paragraph waives or limits non-waivable habitability, fire/casualty, or essential-services rights or remedies under applicable law, including RLTO § 5-12-110 and § 5-12-110(g).

§ 14. LANDLORD ENTRY / INSPECTION OF PREMISES

Landlord and Landlord’s agents may enter the Premises only as permitted by Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-050 and other applicable law. Except in an emergency, when repairs or services are requested by Tenant, when Tenant consents at the time of entry, when Tenant has abandoned or surrendered the Premises, when entry is authorized by court order, or as otherwise permitted by law, Landlord shall give Tenant at least two (2) days’ advance notice of intent to enter. Notice may be given by mail, telephone, written notice, or other reasonable means permitted by the RLTO and applicable law.

Entry shall be at reasonable times. Entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. is presumed reasonable under the RLTO. Permitted purposes include inspecting the Premises, making necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supplying necessary or agreed services, showing the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, workers, contractors, appraisers, insurers, or tenants, or as otherwise allowed by law. Landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass Tenant. Landlord may post “For Sale,” “For Rent,” or “Vacancy” signs within sixty (60) days before expiration of the Term, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

§ 15. SUBORDINATION OF LEASE

This Agreement and Tenant’s interest are subordinate to mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, and encumbrances now or later placed on the Premises, and to renewals, modifications, and extensions of them, except to the extent a lender or applicable law provides otherwise. Tenant shall sign a commercially reasonable subordination, non-disturbance, or attornment document requested by Landlord or lender, provided it does not materially increase Tenant’s obligations or reduce Tenant’s possessory rights except as permitted by law.

§ 16. TENANT’S HOLDOVER

If Tenant remains in possession after the Termination Date with Landlord's written consent, the tenancy will be month-to-month unless otherwise agreed in writing. Holdover monthly Rent will be $________________ (____________________________________________ Dollars), or the lawful amount stated in Landlord's written consent. Either party may terminate the month-to-month tenancy by written notice in the amount required by Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-130(j): at least thirty (30) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for less than six (6) months; at least sixty (60) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for six (6) months to three (3) years; and at least one hundred twenty (120) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for more than three (3) years, or any longer notice required by applicable law. Any Rent increase for the holdover/month-to-month tenancy is subject to the same Fair Notice requirements.

If Tenant remains in possession without Landlord's consent after this Agreement ends, Tenant is a holdover occupant, and Landlord may recover possession and damages as permitted by Illinois law and the RLTO.

☐ Unauthorized holdover premium. If checked, unauthorized holdover Rent is one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the monthly Rent in effect at the end of the Term, prorated daily, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Nothing in this clause waives or limits any stricter requirement or remedy under RLTO § 5-12-130(g), including any double-rent remedy available only when the required notice has been given.

Acceptance of money after expiration does not create a renewal unless Landlord agrees in writing or applicable law provides otherwise.

§ 17. SURRENDER OF PREMISES

At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall vacate and surrender the Premises, remove Tenant’s personal property, return all keys and access devices, remove trash, and leave the Premises in substantially the same condition as at commencement, ordinary wear and tear and casualty not caused by Tenant excepted. Tenant remains liable for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear and for cleaning, trash removal, lock/access-device replacement, and other lawful charges caused by Tenant’s failure to surrender as required.

§ 18. ANIMALS

Select one:

☐ No pets are permitted without Landlord’s prior written consent.

☐ Tenant may keep the following approved pet(s): ______________________________________, subject to the Pet Addendum.

Pet charges, if any

Refundable pet deposit: $ __________________
(_________________________________________________ Dollars)

Non-refundable pet fee, if lawful and selected: $ __________________ (_________________________________________________ Dollars)

Monthly pet rent: $ __________________

Any non-refundable fee is not a security deposit and will not be held as security for performance. Any refundable pet deposit or other refundable amount held as security for Tenant’s performance will be handled as a security deposit under RLTO § 5-12-080 and other applicable law, including account, receipt, interest, return, and remedy requirements.

This Section does not apply to service animals, assistance animals, emotional-support animals, or reasonable accommodations required by the federal Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act where applicable, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance, or local law. Pet rent, pet fees, pet deposits, breed/size restrictions, and pet prohibitions do not apply to approved assistance animals except to the extent permitted by law. Landlord may request reliable documentation only when permitted by applicable fair-housing guidance and shall process accommodation requests in a lawful, non-discriminatory manner. Tenant remains responsible for actual damage caused by any animal to the extent permitted by law.

§ 19. QUIET ENJOYMENT

Tenant shall peacefully and quietly have, hold, and enjoy the Premises for the Term, subject to this Agreement and applicable law. Nothing in this Section limits Landlord’s lawful remedies for Tenant default or Tenant’s non-waivable rights under the RLTO or other applicable law.

§ 20. INDEMNIFICATION

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Tenant shall indemnify, defend, and hold Landlord harmless from claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and reasonable attorney fees arising from Tenant’s breach of this Agreement or the negligent, willful, or unlawful acts or omissions of Tenant, occupants, guests, invitees, pets, or Tenant’s agents. Tenant is not required to indemnify Landlord for Landlord’s negligence, willful misconduct, violation of law, breach of this Agreement, or non-waivable statutory or common-law duties.

§ 21. DEFAULT

(a) Nonpayment of Rent. If Tenant fails to pay Rent when due, Landlord may serve a written demand for payment in accordance with RLTO § 5-12-130(a) and 735 ILCS 5/9-209. If Tenant does not pay the full amount demanded within the statutory notice period, Landlord may terminate the tenancy and pursue possession and other remedies as permitted by Illinois law and the RLTO. If Tenant pays the full amount of Rent due, plus any court costs and sheriff’s fees actually paid by Landlord, before entry of judgment, Tenant is entitled to dismissal of the eviction action as provided by RLTO § 5-12-130(a), subject to statutory limits.

(b) Material breach other than Rent. If Tenant materially defaults under this Agreement other than by nonpayment of Rent, Landlord may serve written notice identifying the default and may terminate the tenancy only after the notice period and process required by Illinois law and the RLTO, including RLTO § 5-12-130(b) and 735 ILCS 5/9-210 where applicable, and any longer period required by local, federal, or subsidized-housing law. Where applicable law gives Tenant a right to cure, Landlord shall provide the required cure opportunity.

(c) Remedies; mitigation; acceptance of rent. Landlord may recover unpaid Rent, lawful charges, possession, damages, costs, and other remedies available under this Agreement and applicable law, subject to Landlord’s duty to mitigate damages and any limits imposed by Illinois law or the RLTO. Acceptance of Rent after a default may waive Landlord’s right to terminate for that default unless Landlord expressly reserves rights in writing as permitted by RLTO § 5-12-130(h) and other applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement permits lockout, utility shutoff, seizure of personal property, or other self-help eviction prohibited by RLTO § 5-12-160.

§ 22. LATE CHARGE

If Rent is not received by Landlord by ______ p.m. on the ______ day after it is due, Tenant shall pay a late fee only to the extent permitted by Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-140(h). The late fee for any month shall not exceed $10.00 for the first $500.00 of monthly Rent plus five percent (5%) of the amount of monthly Rent in excess of $500.00. No other late fee, penalty, administrative charge, or similar charge may be imposed for late Rent except to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Late fees are intended to compensate Landlord for administrative costs and inconvenience and are not a penalty. No late fee will be charged to the extent prohibited by applicable state or local law. If any stricter cap or prohibition applies, the stricter rule controls.

§ 23. ABANDONMENT

If Landlord reasonably believes Tenant has abandoned the Premises, Landlord may take possession, secure the Premises, relet, and handle personal property only as permitted by Illinois law, RLTO § 5-12-130(e), RLTO § 5-12-160, and any other applicable local ordinance. Landlord may consider factors such as unpaid Rent, apparent vacancy, removal of substantial personal property, discontinued utilities, returned keys, written statements by Tenant, and other objective evidence. Landlord shall not use lockout, utility shutoff, personal-property seizure, or other self-help in violation of law. Tenant remains liable for Rent and damages through the date of surrender, reletting, or termination as permitted by law, subject to Landlord’s duty to mitigate. Landlord shall provide any notice and storage of abandoned personal property required by applicable law before disposal.

§ 24. ATTORNEYS’ FEES

Attorney’s fees and costs may be recovered only to the extent awarded by a court, provided by applicable statute or ordinance, or otherwise permitted by law. Nothing in this paragraph limits any attorney-fee right Tenant may have under the RLTO, including statutory fee rights under RLTO §§ 5-12-080, 5-12-110, 5-12-150, 5-12-160, or any other applicable statute, ordinance, or court rule.

§ 25. RECORDING OF AGREEMENT

Tenant shall not record this Agreement or any memorandum of this Agreement without Landlord’s prior written consent, except as required by law. Unauthorized recording is a material default, and Landlord may pursue lawful remedies after any notice and opportunity to cure required by applicable law.

§ 26. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement is governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Illinois and the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 5-12, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. For any covered Chicago dwelling unit, non-waivable RLTO rights and remedies control over any inconsistent lease provision.

§ 27. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement or its application is, for any reason and to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of that provision to other persons, entities, or circumstances shall not be affected and shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.

§ 28. BINDING EFFECT

This Agreement binds and benefits the parties and their permitted heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns, subject to the assignment and subletting restrictions in this Agreement.

§ 29. DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS

The descriptive headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the rights or obligations of Landlord or Tenant.

§ 30. CONSTRUCTION

Words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular, as the context requires. References to a person include individuals and legal entities. Pronouns are intended to be gender-neutral and inclusive.

§ 31. NON-WAIVER

No failure by Landlord or Tenant to enforce any provision of this Agreement is a waiver of that provision or of any later breach, except to the extent applicable law provides otherwise. Acceptance of Rent after a default may waive Landlord’s right to terminate for that default unless Landlord expressly reserves rights in writing as permitted by RLTO § 5-12-130(h) and other applicable law. No agreement, lease clause, addendum, or course of conduct waives or limits Tenant’s non-waivable rights or remedies under the RLTO, including RLTO § 5-12-140.

§ 32. MODIFICATION

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties and may be modified only by a written amendment signed by Landlord and Tenant. Electronic signatures and electronic records may be used to the extent permitted by applicable law.

§ 33. NOTICE

Notices under this Agreement must be in writing and may be delivered by personal delivery, U.S. mail, certified mail, email if the recipient has provided the email address for notices and applicable law allows email notice, telephone where the RLTO allows telephone notice for entry, or any other method permitted by applicable law. Notices required for eviction, termination, non-renewal, rent increase, security-deposit deductions, statutory disclosures, or other statutory purposes must be served in the manner and time required by the applicable statute or ordinance. Posting on the Premises is effective only when permitted by applicable law.

For any Landlord notice of termination, non-renewal, or Rent increase, Landlord shall provide at least the notice required by Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-130(j): thirty (30) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for less than six (6) months; sixty (60) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for at least six (6) months but less than three (3) years; and one hundred twenty (120) days if Tenant has occupied the Premises for three (3) or more years. Eviction notices for nonpayment or other breach must satisfy RLTO § 5-12-130, 735 ILCS 5/9-209, 735 ILCS 5/9-210, and any other applicable service rules. Email or text notice is not sufficient for a statutory notice unless the governing law expressly permits that method.

If to Landlord

Name: ____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Email for notices, if allowed: __________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________________

If to Tenant

Name(s): __________________________________________________________

Address: ☐ Premises ☐ Other: ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Email for notices, if allowed: __________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________________

Landlord and Tenant may change their notice address by written notice to the other party.

§ 34. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS; STATUTORY DISCLOSURES AND ADDENDA

Landlord makes the following disclosures, which are required by Chicago, Illinois, federal, or local law where the indicated trigger applies. Where a disclosure is required, the attached document is incorporated by reference and Tenant acknowledges receipt by signing this Agreement and, where applicable, the disclosure form.

Attached addenda/disclosures (check all that apply)

☐ Official City of Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance Summary (required for each written rental agreement and renewal)

☐ Chicago Security Deposit Interest Rate Summary/Rider (required when a Security Deposit is taken)

☐ Chicago Bed Bug Prevention Brochure / bed bug information required by Chicago law

☐ Chicago Heat Cost Disclosure (required where Tenant pays heating costs or where otherwise required by Chicago law)

☐ Chicago Required Disclosures Addendum: code violations, pending enforcement/compliance-board proceedings, utility shutoff notices, pending foreclosure actions, and owner/agent information where applicable

☐ Recycling information (required for buildings with five (5) or more dwelling units where applicable)

☐ Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and EPA pamphlet (required for most pre-1978 target housing)

☐ Illinois Flood Risk Disclosure (required where 765 ILCS 705/25 applies; must be included in or attached to this Agreement and signed as required)

☐ Summary of Rights for Safer Homes (required as the first page(s) of each written residential lease or renewal beginning January 1, 2026)

☐ Smoke Detector / Carbon Monoxide Alarm Acknowledgment

☐ Move-In Condition Checklist

☐ Pet Addendum

☐ Renter’s Insurance Addendum

☐ Condominium/Homeowners’ Association Rules

☐ Housing Choice Voucher / HAP Contract / HUD Tenancy Addendum, if applicable

☐ Other: ______________________________________________________________________

Additional property-specific terms, if any: ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Owner / Manager / Authorized Agent Disclosure

The person authorized to manage the Premises and receive notices, demands, and service of process for Landlord is:

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________ Email: _______________________________________

Owner of record or authorized representative, if different: ________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Heat Cost Disclosure

If Tenant pays heating costs, or if applicable Chicago law otherwise requires disclosure, Landlord shall provide the required Chicago heat-cost disclosure before execution of this Agreement.

Safe Homes Act / Domestic and Sexual Violence — Early Termination

A Tenant or member of Tenant’s household who is the victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, or stalking (each as defined in 765 ILCS 750/10) may terminate this Agreement early as permitted by the Illinois Safe Homes Act (765 ILCS 750) by delivering to Landlord (i) written notice of intent to vacate at least three (3) days before vacating; (ii) qualifying evidence required by 765 ILCS 750/15, such as medical, court, victim-services, or law-enforcement documentation; and (iii) any other documentation required by the Act. Upon proper notice and qualifying evidence, the Tenant or household member shall be released from future Rent obligations as provided by the Act. Landlord shall also comply with the Act’s lock-change, confidentiality, and non-discrimination protections, and with the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance and federal VAWA rules where applicable.

Housing Choice Voucher / Government-Assisted Rent

Landlord acknowledges that source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and other government rent-assistance programs, is a protected characteristic under the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance, the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, and the Illinois Human Rights Act. If Tenant pays Rent in whole or part through a Housing Choice Voucher or similar government program, the executed Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract and any required tenancy addendum, including HUD Form 52641-A where applicable, control over any inconsistent provision of this Agreement.

Non-Retaliation

Landlord shall not retaliate against Tenant for exercising rights protected by applicable law, including making good-faith complaints, seeking assistance, requesting repairs, exercising rights under the Safe Homes Act or Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act, organizing tenants, or taking other protected actions. Nothing in this Agreement limits Landlord’s right to enforce this Agreement for lawful, non-retaliatory reasons.

Radon

If Landlord has knowledge of an elevated radon level in the Premises that has not been mitigated, Landlord shall provide any disclosure, test result, mitigation record, or tenant pamphlet required by Illinois law.

Chicago Tenant Remedies / Essential Services

Nothing in this Agreement waives or limits Tenant’s remedies under the RLTO, including remedies for landlord failure to maintain the Premises, material noncompliance, minor defects, essential-services failures, unlawful entry, lockout/self-help eviction, retaliation, security-deposit violations, or prohibited lease terms. Depending on the violation and required statutory notice, Tenant may have rights to terminate, withhold rent, repair and deduct, procure substitute housing, recover damages, recover attorney’s fees, or obtain other relief as provided by the RLTO and applicable law.

Rent Increases / Renewal Pricing

Any Landlord notice of a Rent increase or renewal at a different Rent must be in writing and must comply with Chicago Municipal Code § 5-12-130(j): at least thirty (30) days’ notice for occupancy under six (6) months; at least sixty (60) days’ notice for occupancy of six (6) months to three (3) years; and at least one hundred twenty (120) days’ notice for occupancy of more than three (3) years, or any longer notice required by applicable law.

§ 35. FAIR HOUSING / EQUAL HOUSING COMPLIANCE

Landlord and Tenant shall comply with the federal Fair Housing Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and applicable local fair-housing laws. Nothing in this Agreement authorizes discrimination, harassment, retaliation, refusal of a reasonable accommodation, or refusal of a reasonable modification where required by law.

§ 36. SMOKE DETECTOR / CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Pursuant to the Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60), the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (430 ILCS 135), and applicable local law, Landlord represents that the Premises is equipped with operational smoke detectors and, where required by law, carbon monoxide alarms. Tenant acknowledges receipt and operational testing of these devices at move-in:

☐ Smoke detector(s): Number ______ Locations: ____________________________________

☐ Carbon monoxide alarm(s): Number ______ Locations: _____________________________

Tenant shall not disable, remove, tamper with, or fail to report a malfunctioning detector or alarm. Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord in writing of any missing, inoperable, or malfunctioning detector or alarm. Battery replacement and testing responsibilities are as follows: ______________________________________________________________________________.

§ 37. MITIGATION OF DAMAGES

If Tenant breaches this Agreement and Landlord recovers possession of the Premises before the natural expiration of the Term, Landlord shall make reasonable efforts to mitigate damages by reletting the Premises, consistent with Landlord’s obligations under 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1. Landlord’s mitigation efforts shall not be deemed an acceptance of Tenant’s surrender of the Premises or a waiver of Tenant’s continuing liability for Rent, damages, or lawful charges.

§ 38. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY NOTICE

Information about registered sex offenders is available from the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry at https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor. Landlord has not independently verified the registry status of any person residing in or near the Premises. Tenant is responsible for any independent inquiry regarding this matter.

§ 39. COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which together constitute one instrument. Signatures delivered by electronic means, including DocuSign, Adobe Sign, PDF, or another commercially reasonable e-signature platform, have the same force and effect as original signatures to the extent permitted by the Illinois Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and the federal ESIGN Act.

§ 40. CHICAGO RLTO / LOCAL LAW CONFIRMATION

This Agreement is intended for residential Premises located within Chicago, Illinois and, unless a valid exclusion is identified in this Agreement, subject to the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. Chicago RLTO requirements, required disclosures, and non-waivable tenant rights are incorporated into this Agreement. If the Premises is not subject to the RLTO, Landlord should identify the applicable exclusion and confirm with counsel before using this Chicago form. Any additional county, state, federal, condominium, homeowners’ association, or subsidized-housing addendum required for the Premises must be attached and controls over inconsistent terms to the extent required by law.

§ 41. PROTECTED RIGHTS / ILLINOIS-SPECIFIC PROTECTED STATUSES

Nothing in this Agreement waives or limits rights under applicable federal, Illinois, or local law relating to military status, unfavorable military discharge, order-of-protection status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, familial status, disability, source-of-income protections where applicable, pregnancy, arrest record in housing, or other protected classes or statuses.

§ 42. CRIME-FREE / NUISANCE ORDINANCE DISCLAIMER (OPTIONAL; ATTORNEY REVIEW REQUIRED BEFORE USE)

No crime-free, nuisance, or similar addendum is included as a default Chicago lease term. Any such addendum must be reviewed by Chicago counsel before use and must comply with the Illinois Safe Homes Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the federal Fair Housing Act, the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance, the RLTO, VAWA where applicable, and any limits on penalizing tenants or household members for being victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, stalking, trafficking, or other protected circumstances.

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Landlord and Tenant sign this Agreement as of the dates set forth below and acknowledge receipt of all checked attachments, disclosures, summaries, and addenda required for the Premises, including the official City of Chicago RLTO Summary, Security Deposit Interest Rate Summary/Rider if a Security Deposit is taken, Chicago bed bug information, required Chicago disclosures, Illinois Flood Risk Disclosure if applicable, Summary of Rights for Safer Homes if applicable, and lead-based paint disclosures if applicable.

→ Tenant initials acknowledging receipt of required attachments/disclosures:

________ ________ ________ ________