1. Premises
Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at:
[[Full Street Address, Unit/Apt Number if applicable, City, Illinois ZIP]] (the "Premises").
The Premises include the dwelling unit and any appliances, fixtures, and furnishings listed in the attached Move-In Inventory (Exhibit A). Tenant has inspected the Premises and accepts it in its present condition, subject to the representations in this Lease.
2. Term
The initial term of this Lease is [[Lease Term Length, e.g., twelve (12) months]], commencing on [[Lease Start Date]] and ending on [[Lease End Date]], unless sooner terminated or extended as provided herein.
If Tenant remains in possession after the expiration of the term without a written extension or renewal, the tenancy shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy upon the same terms, subject to either party's right to terminate with proper notice under Illinois law.
3. Rent
Tenant agrees to pay monthly rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], due in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g., 1st]] day of each month.
Rent shall be paid to Landlord at [[Payment Address or Electronic Payment Instructions]] by [[check, money order, cash, or electronic funds transfer]].
If the term begins on a day other than the first of the month, the first month's rent shall be prorated on a daily basis for the partial month.
4. Late Fees and Returned Payments
Rent is due on the date specified. A late charge of $[[Late Fee Amount or Percentage]] or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is less, shall apply if rent is not received within [[five (5)]] days after the due date. Landlord may charge a reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual bank charge, for any returned or dishonored payment.
5. Security Deposit
Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]].
Under Illinois law (765 ILCS 710/ and 765 ILCS 715/), the security deposit must be held in a federally insured interest-bearing account in Illinois if it is for more than six months, and the Landlord must pay interest at a rate of 5% per year or such other rate as required by statute.
The deposit secures Tenant's performance. Landlord shall return the deposit, less any lawful deductions, together with an itemized statement of deductions, within 45 days after Tenant vacates the Premises and provides a forwarding address. Deductions may be made for unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning to restore the Premises to move-in condition.
6. Utilities and Services
Tenant shall be responsible for payment of the following utilities and services: [[List, e.g., electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, cable]].
Landlord shall be responsible for: [[List, e.g., structural maintenance, common area utilities if multi-unit]].
Tenant shall not allow any utility service in Tenant's name to be disconnected or terminated during the term.
7. Use of Premises; Occupants; Guests
The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence by Tenant and the following additional permitted occupants: [[List names or "none"]].
No other persons may reside at the Premises for more than [[fourteen (14)]] consecutive days or [[thirty (30)]] total days in any calendar year without Landlord's prior written consent.
Tenant shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and rules of any homeowners' or condominium association.
8. Pets
Pets are [[permitted / not permitted]] without Landlord's prior written consent. If permitted, Tenant shall pay a non-refundable pet fee of $[[Amount]] and/or additional monthly pet rent of $[[Amount]]. Tenant is responsible for all damage caused by pets. Assistance animals required by law are permitted with proper documentation and without additional fees.
9. Maintenance and Repairs - Landlord
Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition in compliance with all applicable building and housing codes. Landlord shall keep the structural components, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems in good working order. Landlord shall make repairs within a reasonable time after written notice from Tenant.
10. Maintenance and Repairs - Tenant
Tenant shall:
- Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and free from hazards and trash.
- Properly use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in the Premises.
- Dispose of all rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and sanitary manner.
- Keep all plumbing fixtures clean and free from obstruction.
- Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the Premises.
- Comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable building and housing codes.
Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any needed repairs or dangerous conditions.
11. Landlord's Right of Entry
Landlord may enter the Premises under the following circumstances:
- In case of emergency threatening life or property, without notice.
- To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors, after giving Tenant at least 24 hours' reasonable notice (or such shorter period as permitted by law), during reasonable hours.
- To inspect for compliance with the Lease and applicable codes, with reasonable notice.
- Pursuant to court order.
- If Tenant is absent from the Premises for a period of time equal to one-half the time for periodic rental payments, Landlord may enter as reasonably necessary.
12. Assignment and Subletting
Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Landlord. Any attempted assignment or sublease without consent shall be void and constitute a material breach.
13. Default and Remedies
Tenant shall be in default if Tenant:
- Fails to pay rent when due.
- Violates any term of this Lease.
- Abandons or vacates the Premises.
- Permits the Premises to be used for unlawful purposes.
Upon default, Landlord may give Tenant notice as required by Illinois law (including the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.) and pursue all remedies available, including termination of the tenancy, recovery of possession, unpaid rent, damages, costs, and reasonable attorney fees as permitted by law. Landlord shall not utilize self-help eviction methods such as changing locks or shutting off utilities.
14. Holdover
If Tenant remains in possession after the expiration or termination of this Lease without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall pay holdover rent of $[[Holdover Daily or Monthly Rate]] per day or the maximum permitted by law, and Landlord may pursue eviction and damages.
15. Surrender
Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant shall:
- Remove all personal property and debris.
- Return all keys, access devices, and remotes.
- Leave the Premises in the same condition as at the commencement, reasonable wear and tear and damage by fire or other casualty excepted.
- Provide a written forwarding address to Landlord for return of the security deposit.
16. Notices
All notices required or permitted under this Lease or by law shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered when personally delivered, or three (3) days after being sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or one (1) business day after deposit with overnight courier, to the addresses set forth above or to such other address as a party may designate by written notice.
17. Governing Law and Severability
This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force.
18. Entire Agreement; Modifications
This Lease, including all exhibits and addenda, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements. No modification shall be binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.
19. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (If Applicable)
If the Premises was built before 1978, the required lead-based paint disclosure and pamphlet are attached as an addendum or have been provided separately.
20. Additional Disclosures and Required Provisions
Tenant acknowledges receipt of any required disclosures under Illinois law, including but not limited to:
- Any known lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978).
- Radon disclosure if applicable to the property.
- Any other material facts affecting the condition or use of the Premises known to Landlord.
21. Signatures
LANDLORD:
[[Landlord Full Legal Name or Entity]]
By: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________
Name/Title: [[Signatory Name and Title]]
TENANT(S):
_____________________________________________ [[Tenant 1 Full Name]] Date: ___________
_____________________________________________ [[Tenant 2 Full Name]] Date: ___________
Exhibit A - Move-In / Move-Out Inventory and Condition Checklist
[Attach detailed room-by-room inventory with columns for condition at move-in, move-out, and notes. Include appliances, furnishings, keys provided, etc.]
Exhibit B - Rules and Regulations
[Attach any property-specific rules, parking rules, common area rules, etc.]
This Illinois Residential Lease Agreement is a sample template prepared in accordance with Illinois law, including the Illinois Residential Tenancies Act provisions, the Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 715/), the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/), and the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act. All user inputs are shown as [[merge fields]]. This is not legal advice. Landlords and tenants should verify current statutory requirements, local ordinances (including any rent control or just-cause eviction ordinances in applicable municipalities), and consult qualified Illinois counsel before use. Security deposit interest and return timelines must be followed precisely. Information current as of June 2026.
