Effective January 1, 2026, Illinois landlords must attach the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) “Summary of Rights for Safer Homes” as the first page of every written residential lease—new and renewal—and obtain each tenant’s signature at the bottom of every page of that Summary.
Why Is This Happening?
The new Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act (765 ILCS 752) is designed to make tenants aware of existing safety protections across six Illinois laws (including the Safe Homes Act) and how to use them. IDHR is tasked with preparing the Summary.
What Does The Safe Homes Act Cover?
Under the Safe Homes Act (765 ILCS 750), qualifying tenants can, in certain circumstances, end a lease early and request lock changes to improve safety. The IDHR Summary explains these rights in plain language.
Your Core Obligations
- Attach the IDHR Summary as page 1 of every written residential lease (new and renewal).
- Collect signatures from every tenant at the bottom of every page of the Summary (paper or electronic leases are both contemplated).
- Keep records of the signed Summary pages. If you cannot produce the signatures, the law creates a rebuttable presumption you did not comply.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If found in violation, a landlord is liable to the tenant for the greater of:
- The tenant’s actual damages (capped at $2,000), or
- $100, plus court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees if the tenant prevails.
The Act does not require tenants to seek relief through IDHR first.
Best Practices
- Oral renewals: The statute targets written leases. If you sometimes roll renewals orally, consider using a short written renewal or amendment with the Summary attached and signed to avoid disputes. (Practical tip based on the statute’s written-lease focus.)
- Leasing platforms: Build the Summary into your e-lease workflow so signature lines appear on each Summary page
- Training: Train staff to verify every page is signed by every tenant before the lease is executed.
- Retention: Store signed Summary pages with the lease packet for quick retrieval.
Quick FAQ for Landlords
Q: Does this apply to month-to-month tenancies?
A: If the tenancy is governed by a written lease or written renewal terms, yes—the Summary must be page 1 with signatures on each Summary page.
Q: Do we need “wet ink” signatures?
A: The statute permits inclusion in electronic leases; ensure acknowledgment lines are placed at the bottom of each Summary page and signed.
Q: Where do we get the official Summary?
A: IDHR publishes the official Summary (and translations). Use the latest version from IDHR.
Action Plan to be Ready by January 1, 2026
To help landlords stay compliant and avoid last-minute updates, we at Domu recommend taking the following steps well in advance:
- Use an up-to-date Illinois lease template: Start with a lease that already reflects current Illinois disclosure requirements. Domu provides a landlord-friendly model lease designed specifically for Chicago and Illinois rental housing.
- Confirm the IDHR Summary is embedded as page one: Ensure the Summary of Rights for Safer Homes automatically populates as the first page of your lease and renewal documents.
- Verify signature placement on every Summary page: Each tenant must sign the bottom of every Summary page—whether leasing digitally or on paper.
- Standardize your leasing checklist: Add the Summary signature requirement to your internal leasing checklist so nothing is missed during execution.
- Audit upcoming renewals: Review leases renewing in early 2026 now to ensure compliance on day one.
Landlords listing on Domu can access rental resources built to reflect current Illinois requirements, helping reduce risk and streamline compliance as laws evolve.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult counsel about your specific situation.
KS Law LLC is a boutique litigation and real estate firm serving Illinois and Florida. We help property owners, managers, lenders, and businesses navigate disputes, compliance, and post-judgment enforcement with clear strategy and follow-through. Our practice spans business torts, real estate, creditor’s rights, and day-to-day general counsel. If you need practical guidance on new landlord requirements—like Illinois’s Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act—we’re here to help align risk, process, and results.
