DOWNLOAD COPY OF THE SAFER HOMES ACT SUMMARY
Illinois now requires a Summary of Rights for Safer Homes on page 1 of every residential lease and renewal starting January 1, 2026. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) published the official summary (with translations) and an FAQ—use that document, not a homemade version. Penalties apply for failing to include it.
What landlords must know (non-negotiables)
Effective date: Attach the IDHR “Summary of Rights for Safer Homes” to all leases/renewals signed on or after Jan 1, 2026.
Placement: It must be the first page of the lease packet. (IDHR’s page confirms this and links the official PDF.)
Compliance risk: If you don’t include it, you’re liable for actual damages (capped at $2,000) or $100—whichever is greater.
Use the official text: Download IDHR’s lease document PDF (updated October 2025) and insert as-is. Don’t edit the language.
Survivor housing rights (high level): The summary highlights Illinois protections already on the books (e.g., early lease termination and lock changes for survivors facing a credible, imminent threat). The underlying statute is the Illinois Safe Homes Act (765 ILCS 750).
Practical add: Have each adult tenant initial the summary page to acknowledge receipt (good file hygiene, even if not expressly required). Industry guides recommend documented receipt for compliance.
What the official Summary doesn’t spoon-feed (but you need to enforce)
These are the nuts-and-bolts conditions buried in statute/practice that keep you compliant and consistent:
Evidence is required for early termination. A resident invoking the Safe Homes Act must provide written notice stating there’s a credible, imminent threat at the premises and typically include supporting documentation (e.g., order of protection, police report, medical/professional statement). Keep this in your file.
Locks: 48-hour clock. Upon written request citing an imminent threat, you must change (or allow a change of) locks within 48 hours; costs are at the resident’s reasonable expense. If you don’t act, the tenant may change them and promptly provide keys.
Who signs the notice? Best practice is all non-abusive lessees sign the termination/lock-change notice (some advocacy materials specify this). It helps you identify who retains possession and who must vacate. Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Scope matters. The threat must relate to the rental premises (not a general concern elsewhere). Your documentation trail should reflect that nexus. Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Confidentiality. Treat documents as confidential and restrict internal access; survivors’ safety can be compromised by sloppy handling. (Legal-aid guidance stresses careful treatment.)
Local overlay still applies. The state summary doesn’t replace local rules (e.g., Chicago/RLTO procedures). Always layer city requirements on top of state law.
A clean, defensible workflow (steal this)
Lease prep: Insert IDHR summary as page 1; add a signature/initial line for each adult.
When a survivor requests relief:
Acknowledge in writing same day, provide a one-page intake listing the acceptable evidence and where to send it.
For lock changes, schedule within 48 hours and document completion.
For early termination, confirm receipt of written notice + evidence, state the effective date per statute, and outline key-return steps. Illinois Legal Aid
File hygiene: Save the notice, evidence, your reply, work orders, and a ledger note.
Staff training: Role-play intake calls; emphasize neutral language, no probing beyond what the law requires, and speed.
Owner comms: Explain legal obligations and timelines—focus on rapid re-rent to mitigate vacancy, not debating a survivor’s documentation.
FAQ landlords will ask you
Do we pay for new locks?
The law says the tenant pays reasonable costs; you must act within 48 hours once properly notified.
Can we demand a police report only?
No. Multiple forms of evidence can establish the threat (orders of protection, medical or advocate letters, etc.). Don’t impose a stricter standard than the law.
Is this a new right?
The rights (lock change/early termination) exist under the Safe Homes Act already; the 2026 law adds a mandatory summary on page 1 of every lease so tenants are informed up front.
What’s the penalty for skipping the summary?
At minimum $100, up to actual damages capped at $2,000, if the tenant proves non-compliance. Don’t risk it.
In short
From Jan 1, 2026, page 1 of every Illinois residential lease must include the Safer Homes summary. The survivor rights aren’t new, but the paperwork is mandatory—and the operational details (written notice, evidence, 48-hour lock changes) are where landlords either shine or stumble. Set your process now; protect residents, stay compliant, and keep turnarounds efficient.
