Chicago Lease Guides
for Renters
Every lease-clause guide we've written for Chicago, Illinois renters - 15 in all, each grounded in Illinois law and what actually applies in Chicago.
Chicago Tenant Guides - What's Covered
Each guide explains the clause in plain English, cites the Illinois statute that applies, flags the red flags in your lease, and gives you a step-by-step plan if your landlord oversteps.
Before you sign
Money and people the lease locks in on day one.
Security Deposit Rules
How much, what it covers, when it comes backDeposit cap
No cap
Read the guidePet Policy Clause
Pet deposits, pet rent and animal rulesPet deposit cap
No cap
Read the guideRenters Insurance Clause
When a lease can require a policyRequired coverage
$100,000 typical
Read the guideRoommate Clause
Adding someone to the homeNotice for a new roommate
No statute
Read the guideWhile you live there
Rent, repairs, entry and the rules that run month to month.
Rent Escalation Clause
How and when rent can go upNotice before a raise
30 days
Read the guideLate Fee Clause
When a fee can start and how big it can beGrace before a late fee
No required grace
Read the guideNotice to Enter Clause
When your landlord can come inNotice before entry
48 hrscity rule
Read the guideMaintenance & Repairs Clause
Who fixes what, and how fastRepair deadline
14 days
Read the guideQuiet Enjoyment Clause
Your right to use the home in peaceTime to fix a serious problem
14 days (state), 72 hrs in Chicago
Read the guideUtilities Clause
Who pays, and shutoffsPenalty for a shutoff
$300/tenant+ rent abatement
Read the guideSubletting Clause
Renting your place to someone elseLandlord's answer deadline
No deadline
Read the guideWhen the lease ends
Leaving early, renewing, or staying on.
Early Termination Clause
Leaving before the lease endsWait before a legal exit
No wait; notify within 3 days
Read the guideLease Renewal Clause
Renewing, or not, at the endNotice to not renew
30 daysmonth-to-month
Read the guideHoldover Clause
Staying after the lease endsHoldover rent
2x yearly valuewillful only
Read the guideLease Acceleration Clause
Rent owed after you move outLandlord must re-rent?
Mandatory statewide
Read the guide