Understanding Leases: Chicago RLTO Summary Attached to Lease

If you're a renter in Chicago, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities under the city's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).

One important provision of the RLTO is that landlords are required to provide a copy of the summary of the ordinance. The summary is a brief overview of the key provisions of the ordinance, including information about security deposits, repairs, and other important topics. Click here for a copy of the summary.

• The summary should be attached to each written lease: at the initial signing and at each renewal.
• If the tenant has a verbal lease, the landlord still needs to give a copy of the summary.

By attaching the summary to the rental agreement, the landlord is making sure that the tenant is aware of their rights under the law. This helps to prevent misunderstandings or disputes between the landlord and the tenant. It's important for renters to read the summary carefully and to ask questions if they have any concerns or questions about their rights.

What happens if the landlord did not provide a copy of the Chicago RLTO summary?

1. The tenant may immediately terminate the lease. The tenant has to notify the landlord in writing about the violation and move out within 30 days.
2. The tenant may sue the landlord for $100.00.