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Chicago Apartment Lease Form

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NOT FURNISHED CHICAGO APARTMENT LEASE

This lease form is intended for properties to which the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is applicable. However, the Chicago Association of Realtors recommends that the Ordinance be carefully reviewed and that an attorney be consulted before using this or any other standard lease form for properties in the City of Chicago.

INSTRUCTIONS TO TENANT: Please sign and return both copies to Landlord. Your copy will be mailed back to you.

UNIVERSITY PRINTING COMPANY CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

REV. 2011

DATE OF LEASE

TERM OF LEASE

BEGINNING

ENDING

MONTHLY RENT

SECURITY DEPOSIT

*IF NONE, WRITE "NONE" and Section 5 of Lease Agreements and Covenants shall then be INAPPLICABLE.

The Security Deposit shall be deposited in an account at , which has an address of:

ADDITIONAL CHARGES AND FEES

Late Charge

Returned Check Charge

Reletting Charge

Monthly Parking Fee

Monthly Condominium Association Fee

Monthly Storage Fee

Property Management Administrative Fee

Monthly Rent Due Upon Lease Execution

*IF NONE, WRITE "NONE".

TENANT

NAME(S):

ADDRESS:

STREET:

UNIT #:

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:

TELEPHONE #:

LANDLORD

NAME:

ADDRESS:

STREET:

UNIT #:

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:

TELEPHONE #:

NAME OF PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO OCCUPY PREMISES:

PERSON AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON BEHALF OF LANDLORD FOR PURPOSE OF SERVICE OR PROCESS AND RECEIPT OF NOTICES:

Check box if same address as above

NAME:

ADDRESS:

STREET:

UNIT #:

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:

TELEPHONE #:

ADDRESS OF LEASED APARTMENT (the "Premises"):

ADDRESS:

STREET:

UNIT #:

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS (INCLUDING DECORATING, REPAIRS AND CONDOMINIUM BYLAWS, IF ANY)

*IF NONE, WRITE "NONE"

NOTICE OF CONDITIONS AFFECTING HABITABILITY

I hereby acknowledge that Landlord has disclosed any code violations, code enforcement litigation and/or compliance board proceedings during the previous 12 months for the Premises and the Building and any notice from utility providers of intent to terminate utility services, copies of which, if any, are attached to this Lease.

__________________________ (Tenant(s) Initials)

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BY TENANT

Tenant hereby acknowledges that as of the Date of Lease, Tenant has received from Landlord the following documents:

Security Deposit Receipt _____________________ (Tenant(s) initials)

Heating Cost Disclosure Statement _____________________ (Tenant(s) initials)

Rules of Building from Property Manager and/or Condominium Association _____________________ (Tenant(s) initials)

Lead-Based Paint Brochure: Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home _____________________ (Tenant(s) initials)

In consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants set forth in this Lease, and in further consideration of the statements made by Tenant in the application for Lease and all supporting documents thereto, including Tenant's financial statements (if any), the truth and accuracy thereof being attested to by Tenant and the information therein contained being incorporated into this Lease as if set forth herein in full, Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, for use as a private dwelling unit only, the Premises, together with the fixtures and appliances belonging thereto, for the Term. If there is more than one undersigned Tenant, the term "Tenant", as used herein, shall include all of such undersigned persons and each and every provision of this Lease shall be binding on each and every one of the undersigned persons and they shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder and Landlord shall have the right to join one or all of them in any proceeding or to proceed against them in any order.

TENANT:

Name Date

Name Date

LANDLORD:

Name Date

Name Date

LEASE AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS

1. RENT: Tenant shall pay to Landlord at the above address (or such other address as Landlord may designate in writing) the Monthly Rent set forth above on or before the first day of each month of the Term in advance.

2. POSSESSION: On or prior to the Beginning Date of this Lease, Landlord shall deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant.

3. APPLICATION: The application for this Lease and all representations and promises contained therein are hereby made a part of this Lease.

4. PROMISES OF THE PARTIES: The terms and conditions contained herein shall be conclusively deemed the agreement between Tenant and Landlord.

5. SECURITY DEPOSIT: Tenant has deposited with Landlord the Security Deposit in the amount set forth above for the performance of each and every covenant and agreement to be performed by Tenant under this Lease.

6. LANDLORD'S MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS:

A. Tenant hereby declares that Tenant has inspected the Premises, the Building and all related areas and grounds and that Tenant is satisfied with the physical condition thereof.

B. Landlord agrees that Landlord will perform work required to be performed by Landlord under this Lease within a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days from the Beginning Date hereof.

C. Landlord covenants that at all times during the Term, Landlord shall maintain the Premises and the Building to minimum standards.

7. UTILITIES: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, if the Premises is separately metered for utilities, Tenant shall pay the utility company directly for applicable charges.

8. TENANT'S USE OF PREMISES: The Premises shall be occupied solely for residential purposes by Tenant and permitted occupants.

9. TENANT'S MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS: Tenant covenants and agrees to maintain the Premises in a clean, sanitary and safe condition.

10. ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, FIXTURES, APPLIANCES, PERSONAL PROPERTY: Tenant shall make no alterations or additions without first receiving the written consent of Landlord.

11. ACCESS: Landlord reserves the right to enter the Premises in order to inspect, repair, decorate or show the Premises in accordance with this Lease.

12. SUBLETTING AND RE-LETTING: Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises without prior written consent of Landlord.

13. ABANDONMENT: Tenant shall not abandon the Premises nor permit it to remain vacant or unoccupied in a manner construed as abandonment.

14. FIRE AND CASUALTY: If the Premises or Building is damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty, the Lease shall continue or terminate as provided herein.

15. TERMINATION AND RETURN OF POSSESSION: Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant shall immediately vacate and surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord.

16. EMINENT DOMAIN (CONDEMNATION): If the Building is taken or condemned by competent authority, the Term of this Lease may be terminated.

17. LANDLORD'S MORTGAGE: This Lease is subordinate to any present or future mortgages on the real estate upon which the Building is situated.

18. LEASE BINDING ON HEIRS, ETC: All covenants and agreements of this Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns of Landlord and Tenant.

19. NOTICES: Any demand or notice shall be in writing and served by personal delivery or certified mail to the address set forth herein.

20. RULES AND REGULATIONS: The rules and regulations at the end of this Lease shall be a part of this Lease.

21. TENANT TO INSURE POSSESSIONS / LIMITATIONS OF LANDLORD LIABILITY: Tenant agrees that all personal property in the Premises shall be at Tenant's risk.

22. REMEDIES CUMULATIVE, NON-WAIVER: All rights and remedies given to Tenant or Landlord shall be distinct, separate and cumulative.

23. TENANT'S REMEDIES: If Landlord defaults in maintaining the Premises or performing required repairs, Tenant may pursue the remedies provided by this Lease and applicable law.

24. TENANT'S WAIVER: Tenant's covenant to pay Rent is independent of each and every other covenant of this Lease.

25. LANDLORD'S REMEDIES: If Tenant defaults in payment or performance, Landlord may exercise the remedies set forth in this Lease.

26. OTHER AGREEMENTS: The headings or captions of Sections in this Lease are for identification purposes only.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

These rules are for the mutual benefit of all tenants. Please cooperate. Violations of the Rules and Regulations may cause termination of your Lease.

1. Tenant cannot have any pets or animals in the Premises without written consent of Landlord.

2. Passages, public halls, stairways, landings, elevators and elevator vestibules shall not be obstructed or used for play.

3. All furniture, supplies, goods and packages shall be delivered through the rear or service entrance, stairway or elevator.

4. Bicycles and similar items shall not be allowed in the lobbies, public halls, passageways, courts or elevators of the Building.

5. Laundry and drying apparatus shall be used only as posted by Landlord.

6. Garbage receptacles shall be used only in accordance with posted signs and instructions.

7. No sign, signal, illumination, advertisement, notice or lettering shall be exhibited without prior written consent.

8. No awnings or other projections including air conditioners or antennas shall be attached to the outside walls of the Building.

9. Tenant shall not alter any lock or install a new lock without written consent of Landlord.

10. No noise, music or other sounds shall be permitted in a manner that disturbs other occupants.

11. No waste receptacles or other articles shall be placed in halls or on stair landings or hung from windows or balconies.

12. Plumbing fixtures shall not be used for improper purposes.

13. There shall be no cooking or baking done in or about the Premises except in the kitchen.

14. Television hookup provisions, if any, are governed by Landlord's rules and charges.

15. No furniture filled with liquid or semi-liquid shall be brought in or used in the Premises unless properly contained.

16. Cable television or internet installation, if provided, is subject to Landlord's access and limitations of liability.

17. If the Premises is part of a condominium building or co-op, the rules and regulations of the association shall apply.

GUARANTY

In consideration of One Dollar ($1.00) to the undersigned in hand paid, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned Guarantor hereby guarantees the payment of Rent and the performance by Tenant of all covenants and agreements of this Lease.

Name Date

Name Date

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What the Chicago Apartment Lease Form Is

The Chicago Apartment Lease Form is a standardized residential lease agreement used by landlords and tenants in Chicago to record rental terms for an apartment. It identifies parties, describes the unit, sets lease dates, rent, security deposit, utilities allocation, maintenance responsibilities, and permitted uses. The form also accommodates Chicago-specific disclosures and renter protections where required. Proper completion creates clear expectations, preserves evidence of consent, and provides a documented basis for enforcing rights in local housing or court proceedings.

Why a Clear Lease Benefits Both Landlords and Tenants

A complete Chicago Apartment Lease Form reduces ambiguity about rent, repairs, and notices, aligns expectations with local rules, and supports enforceability in disputes or administrative proceedings.

Why a Clear Lease Benefits Both Landlords and Tenants

Who Typically Uses This Lease

Landlords, property managers, leasing agents, and prospective tenants use the Chicago Apartment Lease Form to document rental agreements clearly and consistently.

  • Individual landlords managing one or two units who need a clear, local-compliant lease.
  • Property management firms using standardized leases across multiple Chicago properties and units.
  • Tenants seeking written terms for rent, repairs, pets, and security deposit conditions.

Use the completed lease together with required local disclosures and notice forms to help ensure compliance and easier enforcement when issues arise.

Step-by-Step: Complete and Execute the Lease

Follow these steps to complete and execute a Chicago Apartment Lease Form accurately and in the correct order.

  • 01
    Prepare Document: Confirm property details and required municipal disclosures.
  • 02
    Identify Parties: List full legal names and contact information for landlord and tenant.
  • 03
    Set Terms: Enter rent, security deposit, lease term, and utilities allocation.
  • 04
    Sign & Deliver: Obtain all signatures, date the lease, and provide copies to each party.

Configure an Online Lease Signing Workflow

Set up an online workflow that handles signature collection, authentication, reminders, and secure archival to create an auditable lease execution record.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email link with optional SMS code; consider ID check for screening
Signature Order Parallel or sequential signing to match execution requirements
Reminder Schedule Automated reminders three days, one day, and final notice
Storage & Retention Save signed PDF to cloud storage with searchable filename

Technical Needs for eSigning and Recordkeeping

Digital execution requires a platform that supports common file types, secure transport, and an auditable certificate for each signed lease.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX support
  • Integrations: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, CRM integrations
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 encryption

How Electronic Lease Execution Typically Flows

Execution usually follows upload, field placement, signer delivery, authentication, signing, and secure archival with an audit trail.

  • Upload Document: Attach the lease PDF and supporting disclosures
  • Place Fields: Add signature, initials, and date fields
  • Send to Signers: Deliver email or link with authentication
  • Archive: Store signed lease and audit trail securely

Core Elements a Professional Lease Should Include

A complete Chicago Apartment Lease Form balances legal coverage with plain-language clarity so both parties understand obligations and remedies.

Parties

Full legal names, contact details, and designation of landlord, manager, and tenant so service of notices and enforcement actions are unambiguous and documented.

Property

Exact street address, unit number, and any shared or excluded areas described to avoid disputes about access, parking, or storage obligations.

Financial Terms

Rent amount, due date, accepted payment methods, late fee schedule, and how rent increases or prorations are calculated for partial periods.

Maintenance & Repairs

Allocation of repair responsibilities, reporting procedures, response time expectations, and who pays for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Rules & Restrictions

Pet policies, guest rules, smoking restrictions, subletting permission, and any condo or building-specific regulations referenced as addenda.

Dispute & Remedies

Notice procedures, cure periods for default, late-fee enforcement, and whether disputes use mediation, arbitration, or court litigation.

Save and Export Options for Final Lease Copies

Choose durable file formats and an organized naming convention for storing executed leases and certificates of completion.

PDF

Export a signed, flattened PDF with embedded audit trail and visible signature blocks for long-term recordkeeping and court use.

DOCX

Keep an editable DOCX master for template updates, but store signed copies as PDFs to preserve evidentiary integrity.

XML/CSV

Export metadata and key field values (names, dates, amounts) for integration into property management systems and accounting workflows.

Printed Archive

Retain a printed copy with the audit certificate when required by internal policy or where regulators prefer paper backups.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: AES-256 encryption at rest
Transport: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Audit Trail: Timestamped signing records
HIPAA: BAA required if PHI involved
Legal Standards: ESIGN and UETA compliant
Notarization: Supports RON and in-person options

Key Risks and Potential Consequences

Invalid Signatures: May be unenforceable
Name Mismatches: Eviction or collection delays
Incorrect Dates: Rent and notice disputes
Deposit Violations: Statutory fines or recovery
Missing Disclosures: Local ordinance penalties
Improper Storage: Evidence lost or inadmissible

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving parties listed with nicknames or initials instead of full legal names creates barriers to enforcement and identity verification.
  • Omitting move-in condition reports or inventory attachments leads to disputes over damage versus normal wear and tear at termination.
  • Using ambiguous rent language like 'pay as agreed' or failing to state late fees and grace periods invites disagreement and delayed payments.
  • Failing to include required local disclosures or municipal notices can result in tenant remedies or administrative penalties.

Typical Timing and Notice Expectations

Certain events and notices are time-sensitive; build calendar reminders to protect rights and comply with local procedures.

Effective Date and Term Start:

Lease starts on the effective date; prorated rent applies for partial first month

Rent Due Date:

Rent is due on specified monthly day; late fees apply per lease terms

Move-in Inspection:

Conduct and document condition report at move-in to support deposit claims

Security Deposit Return:

Return timeframe varies by jurisdiction; prepare itemized statements promptly

Notice to Vacate:

Month-to-month tenancies commonly require advance written notice, typically 30 days

eSignature Vendor Pricing Snapshot (signNow First)

Common selection criteria for lease e-signing include starting price, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, HIPAA support, and envelope or usage caps.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Verify Verify Verify Verify
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Representative Use Cases and Outcomes

Real-world examples show how standardized leases and eSigning reduce turnaround time and administrative burden for landlords and tenants.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties digitized lease routing to eliminate in-person paperwork and speed move-ins across units.

  • The team relied on mobile-friendly signing and offline options to close leases.
  • Management reported faster turnaround, consistent compliance with internal policies, and reduced time spent on manual document handling.

Optica Ventures LLC

Optica Ventures standardized templates and automated signature collection across its portfolio to reduce errors and administrative time.

  • Staff found the interface simple and easy to use.
  • The change lowered training time, decreased turnaround for signed leases, and freed managers to focus on property operations rather than paperwork.

Who Can Sign and Execute the Lease

Landlord / Authorized Manager

The person or entity listed as landlord must sign or an authorized property manager may sign with documented authority; include printed name, title, and contact details to evidence signing authority.

Tenant(s)

All named tenants on the lease must sign and date; roommates or occupants not listed are not parties unless added via amendment, guaranty, or addendum.

Practical Tips for Accurate, Efficient Completion

Adopt consistent templates, use in-line guidance, and verify identity to minimize disputes and speed processing.

Use Plain Language
Write obligations in clear, concise sentences to reduce interpretive disputes and make the agreement accessible to tenants.
Attach Exhibits
Include move-in inventory, pet addenda, and building rules as numbered exhibits to avoid later disagreement over oral promises.
Confirm Contact Info
Verify mailing addresses, emergency contacts, and email addresses for service of notices and rent communications.
Preserve Audit Trail
Retain signed PDFs and certificates of completion showing timestamps, IP addresses, and signer authentication events.

Key Milestones From Draft to Retention

A typical lease lifecycle includes drafting, execution, move-in, mid-term actions, and post-term retention stages.

01

Drafting

Prepare the lease and include required disclosures

02

Execution

Collect signatures and deliver copies to all parties

03

Move-in

Complete condition report and inventory

04

Retention

Archive signed lease and supporting records for required periods

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Apartment Lease Forms

Answers to common questions about electronic signing, notarization, amendments, and recordkeeping for Chicago Apartment Lease Forms.


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