Lease Agreement Template Chicago

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (CHICAGO, ILLINOIS)

DOCUMENT CONTROL

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1
• Jurisdiction: City of Chicago, Cook County, State of Illinois
• Governing Authority: Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)

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1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER & COMPLIANCE NOTICE

NOTICE: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) imposes strict requirements on landlords. Failure to attach the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance Summary and the Security Deposit Interest Rate Summary provided by the City of Chicago to this lease may render certain provisions unenforceable or subject the Landlord to statutory penalties. Consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with current municipal code and state law.

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2. PARTIES & DEFINITIONS

LANDLORD: [Landlord Full Legal Name], having a principal address of [Landlord Address].

TENANT(S): [Tenant 1 Full Name] and [Tenant 2 Full Name], collectively referred to as "Tenant."

PREMISES: The real property located at [Street Address, Unit #], Chicago, IL [Zip Code] (the "Premises").

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3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES & TERMS

1. TERM: The lease term shall commence on [Start Date] and terminate on [End Date] at 11:59 PM (the "Term").

2. RENT: Tenant agrees to pay Landlord $[Monthly Rent Amount] per month, due on the 1st day of each month via [Payment Method/Portal].

3. SECURITY DEPOSIT: Tenant shall deposit $[Amount] as security for performance. Landlord shall hold, manage, and return the Security Deposit in strict accordance with the Chicago RLTO. Interest shall be paid or credited as required by the Chicago Municipal Code.

4. UTILITIES: Tenant is responsible for [List Utilities, e.g., Electricity, Gas, Internet]. Landlord is responsible for [List Utilities, e.g., Water, Sewer, Trash].

5. MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS: Landlord shall maintain the Premises in compliance with the Chicago Building Code. Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition and notify Landlord of any defects or required repairs in writing.

6. ACCESS: Landlord shall provide at least 48 hours’ notice (written or oral) before entering the Premises, except in cases of emergency. Entry shall be at reasonable times.

7. SUBLETTING: Tenant shall not sublet or assign the Premises without the express prior written consent of the Landlord.

8. GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago.

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4. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

LANDLORD:

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Signature: [Name] | Date: [Date] Title: [Owner/Manager]

TENANT(S):

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Signature: [Tenant 1 Name] | Date: [Date]

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Signature: [Tenant 2 Name] | Date: [Date]

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5. EXECUTION & ENFORCEMENT GUIDE

1. Mandatory Disclosures: Append the current Chicago RLTO Summary and the Security Deposit Interest Rate Summary (obtainable from the City of Chicago website) to this document. Failure to attach these is a violation of the Municipal Code.
2. Move-In Checklist: Conduct a joint inspection of the Premises prior to move-in. Document existing damages with timestamped photographs and a signed "Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist" to protect the Security Deposit.
3. Receipts: Provide the Tenant with a written receipt for the Security Deposit and first month’s rent, clearly identifying the financial institution where the Security Deposit is held.
4. Record Retention: Retain an executed digital and physical copy of this lease for a minimum of 3 years post-expiration to satisfy potential statutory inquiries or litigation audits.