Publications: Changes to Illinois Landlord Tenant Act

The Illinois General Assembly recently amended the Illinois Landlord Tenant Act by passing Public Act 97-0470, which requires landlords in counties with a population in excess of 3 million (i.e. Cook County) to “change or rekey” locks of a dwelling unit after a tenant moves out if the new tenant has a written lease agreement. If the landlord fails to comply, the landlord is liable to the tenant for any damages the tenant may incur as a result of theft at the dwelling unit attributable to the landlord’s failure to change or rekey the lock. The new addition to the Act exempts (1) apartment buildings with four units or less if the owner occupies one of the units and (2) rental rooms in an owner occupied home. It also does not apply if the landlord gives the tenant the right to change or rekey the dwelling unit pursuant to the lease agreement. Landlords would be wise to include this language in future lease agreements to avoid the severe penalties imposed by the Act. The law is effective January 1, 2012.

For more information please contact Thomas F. Brett .