Landlord Responsibility Statements

Illinois Landlord Responsibility Statement

Effective Date: November 1, 2025

Purpose

This Landlord Responsibility Statement sets the obligations and standards that all Illinois landlords and property managers must follow when using the Tentunit platform to list and manage rental properties. By using Tentunit, landlords agree to these responsibilities to ensure a transparent, compliant, and student-friendly rental marketplace across Illinois, with special attention to Chicago’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) and the Cook County Residential Tenant-Landlord Ordinance (RTLO), where applicable.

Listing Accuracy and Transparency

  • Complete, truthful ads: Every listing must clearly state the actual monthly rent, lease term, availability date, all required fees (application, security deposit or move-in fee, pet, parking/amenities), utility responsibilities, and any material conditions or eligibility criteria. Illinois’ Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (ICFA) outlaws misrepresentation and the omission of material facts in commerce; the FTC likewise requires that ads be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated.
  • Accurate photos only: Use current photos of the actual unit (or an identical unit type with the same layout/finishes, clearly labeled as representative). Do not use model-only shots or AI/digitally altered images that exaggerate condition or amenities; such depictions can constitute deceptive advertising under ICFA and the FTC’s deception standard.
  • Availability must be real: Do not publish or keep live a listing unless the unit is actually
    available on the stated date. Advertising units or prices that do not exist or are unavailable is a classic form of “bait” advertising, which the FTC identifies and prohibits.
  • Law backdrop: Misrepresentations or material omissions in housing ads can violate ICFA (815 ILCS 505/2) and federal truth-in-advertising rules under Section 5 of the FTC Act (requiring truthful, non-misleading, substantiated claims). Use clear, conspicuous disclosures for any conditions or “starting at” prices, and maintain documentation supporting objective claims. 

No Misleading or Deceptive Practices

Bait-and-switch is forbidden. Advertising a unit, feature, or price that isn’t actually available  and then steering a renter to something different  is prohibited. If you advertise “starting at” or a limited-time rate, it must apply to an actually available unit and the material conditions must be clearly disclosed. Violations can lead to removal from Tentunit and liability under Illinois’ Consumer Fraud & Deceptive Business Practices Act (ICFA) and federal rules (FTC Act §5; FTC Guides Against Bait Advertising).

“Starting at” pricing. If used, it must reflect an immediately available unit at that price, and disclosures must plainly state any limits (e.g., specific unit numbers, lease lengths, or eligibility). Offering a teaser price without availability or clear terms is treated as bait advertising.

Prompt updates. If a listed unit is rented, held, or otherwise unavailable  or if price/terms change  you must remove or update the listing immediately so availability and pricing remain accurate. Continuing to market unavailable inventory or outdated terms risks being deemed deceptive.

Legal basis.

  • ICFA (815 ILCS 505/2) bans deception, misrepresentation, false promises, and concealment/omission of material facts in trade or commerce.
  • FTC Act §5 prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and the FTC’s Guides Against Bait Advertising (16 C.F.R. Part 238) specifically identify “alluring but insincere” offers as unlawful.

Full Disclosure of Policies and Fees


Policies in the ad. State, in plain terms, all material rules and charges: pet policy (including any pet rent/deposits), smoking policy, screening criteria (credit/background checks, income multiple, minimum lease term), occupancy limits, parking/storage fees, and whether utilities are landlord-paid or tenant-paid. Failing to disclose material terms can be treated as a deceptive omission under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (ICFA). 

Utilities disclosure (state law). If tenants pay utilities and especially where utilities are shared or master-metered you must:

  • Disclose in writing the formula used to allocate charges among units (in the lease or a separate writing), and
  • Provide the underlying public utility bill(s) on request for any period billed to the tenant.

    These are statutory requirements under the Tenant Utility Payment Disclosure Act; related definitions and rules for master/individual metering appear in the Rental Property Utility Service Act.

Timely Communication

Response service levels. Respond to all inquiries, applications, and maintenance requests within 24 hours when possible and never later than 48 hours. Industry guidance emphasizes that quick replies build trust and prevent issues from escalating; major platforms recommend 24-hour response norms (and often faster).

Professional & non-discriminatory. Keep communications courteous and compliant with fair-housing law. Do not express preferences or impose different terms based on protected characteristics. Federal rules bar discriminatory statements and unequal “terms, conditions, or services,” and Illinois law likewise prohibits housing discrimination.

Fair Housing and Equal Access

Follow federal and state protections. Comply with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). In Illinois housing, protected classes include (among others) race, color, religion, national origin/ancestry, sex, disability, familial status, age (40+), marital status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, order of protection status, arrest record, and source of income (e.g., vouchers) which became statewide protected effective Jan 1, 2023.

Advertising. Do not publish statements, filters, or targeting that express a preference or limitation for any protected class (e.g., “no kids,” “Christians only,” “professionals only,” “no vouchers”). FHA/IHRA prohibit discriminatory advertising and targeting in housing. 

Disability accommodations. Provide reasonable accommodations and modifications when necessary for equal housing access, including recognizing assistance/service animals as a disability accommodation (not pets) under HUD’s guidance and IHRA materials. 

Enforcement. Violations can trigger IDHR investigations, conciliations, and civil remedies, as well as FHA enforcement. Tenants/applicants can file housing discrimination charges with IDHR (Illinois) or HUD (federal). Tentunit may also enforce platform penalties.

Rent Collection and Payment Structure

How payments work. Tentunit collects tenant payments through our platform (e.g., ACH, card, bank transfer), automatically deducts authorized platform and payment-processing fees, then disburses the net proceeds to your designated payout account on the timeline set in the Tentunit Payment Terms of Service. If a payment reverses (e.g., chargeback/NSF), Tentunit will debit the corresponding amount from upcoming payouts or your linked account per the Terms.

Adjustments & holds. Tentunit may pause or withhold payouts, in whole or in part, when: (a) a payment is disputed, reversed, or flagged for fraud; (b) there is an active tenant complaint or formal dispute about habitability, overcharges, or unauthorized fees; (c) legal or compliance reviews are pending; or (d) we are required by law, court order, or our Payment Terms. When a hold is applied, we’ll note the reason in your dashboard and release funds once the triggering condition is resolved.

Jurisdictional variance. Fees, payout timing, dispute handling, late-fee rules, and required disclosures may vary by state/county/municipality or by product (e.g., rent, deposits, ancillary charges). Tentunit’s Payment Terms specify your location-specific rules, including: (i) available payment rails and payout windows; (ii) how reversals/chargebacks are handled; (iii) whether partial payments are accepted; and (iv) any local caps or disclosure requirements that affect fee assessment. Always consult the Tentunit Payment Terms of Service for the applicable schedules, limits, and procedures.

Property Condition and Maintenance

Habitable & code-compliant. Deliver and maintain units in a safe, sanitary, and habitable condition consistent with state and local housing/building/health codes (heat, hot water, plumbing, electrical, structural soundness, and pest control). Illinois recognizes an implied warranty of habitability in residential leases; serious defects can breach that warranty. 

Chicago heat season (local overlay). From September 15 through June 1, Chicago requires minimum indoor temperatures of 68°F from 8:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. and 66°F from 10:30 p.m.–8:30 a.m. Violations can result in enforcement and fines. (Cook County RTLO highlights the same minimums for suburban Cook.) 

Bed bugs (local overlay). Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance requires landlords to provide professional pest-control services within 10 days of finding or reasonably suspecting bed bugs—or after written tenant notice—and to follow specific extermination/recordkeeping rules. Suburban Cook County’s RTLO likewise requires treatment within 10 days and maintaining written records (generally for 3 years).

Maintenance and Repairs

Prompt repairs. You must maintain building systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), any landlord-provided appliances, and the structure, and promptly remediate hazards (e.g., mold, infestations). Illinois recognizes an implied warranty of habitability, meaning serious defects or failure to maintain essential services can breach the lease; local overlays (e.g., Chicago RLTO, Cook County RTLO) also impose timely repair duties and remedies.

Right to repair (state law). If you fail to fix qualifying issues after proper written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure (typically 14 days, faster for emergencies), tenants may repair and deduct up to the lesser of $500 or one-half of monthly rent under the Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act; some local ordinances set higher limits.

Lease Terms: Utilities and Services

Spell it out. The lease must state exactly which utilities/services are included in rent and which are tenant-paid (electric, gas, water/sewer, trash, internet, parking, etc.). If any costs are variable or contingent (e.g., RUBS ratio billing), describe the method plainly in the lease or an attached schedule. Omitting material utility terms can be treated as a deceptive omission under Illinois consumer law.

No shut-off “self-help.” You may not terminate or interrupt essential utilities to force a move-out. Where the landlord is responsible for a utility by agreement, the Rental Property Utility Service Act requires you to keep service active and pay on time so there is no interruption. Chicago/Cook ordinances also provide remedies for failure to provide essential services; statewide consumer guidance likewise flags utility shut-offs as illegal “self-help.” 

Shared/master meters. If utilities are master-metered or otherwise allocated, you must comply with the Tenant Utility Payment Disclosure Act: (i) give tenants the written allocation formula (in the lease or a separate writing) before demanding payment, and (ii) provide the underlying utility bill(s) on request. Do not bill a “proportionate share” without these disclosures.

Inspections and Cleaning Schedules

Notice before entry.

  • Chicago RLTO: Provide 48 hours’ advance notice and enter only at reasonable times (emergencies excepted). City materials and the code (RLTO §5-12-050) recognize two-day notice via reasonable means and outline limited no-notice emergency access with post-entry notice.
  • Cook County RTLO (outside Chicago): Provide 48 hours’ (two days’) notice and enter only at reasonable times (generally 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.), except in emergencies.

Routine checks. Reasonable periodic inspections (e.g., preventive maintenance, move-in/move-out) and building/common-area cleaning schedules are allowed when disclosed in advance and noticed per the rules above. Always respect tenant privacy and comply with any stricter local requirements

Emergency Contact Information

Who to call. Provide tenants with a 24/7 emergency contact (property manager, superintendent, or contracted service) for urgent issues (e.g., no heat, burst pipes, electrical hazards). Include this in the lease and keep it current in Tentunit. This aligns with local disclosure duties and best-practice guidance for Chicago-area rentals.

Local overlays.

  • Chicago (RLTO §5-12-090): At or before move-in, disclose in writing the name, address, and telephone number of (a) the owner or person authorized to manage the premises and (b) a person authorized to accept service of process and notices; update this information if it changes.
  • Suburban Cook County (RTLO): Provide the owner/manager’s name, address, and telephone number (and update upon changes). The county’s official summary lists this as a required disclosure.

Lease Terms and Legal Compliance

Written digital leases on Tentunit. All leases and addenda must be issued, delivered, signed, and stored digitally through Tentunit. 

E-signatures are valid. Under Illinois’ Electronic Commerce Security Act (5 ILCS 175), an electronic record or signature may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is electronic. Federal ESIGN provides the same baseline. 

Notices / termination (state law).

  • Nonpayment of rent: Serve a 5-day pay-or-quit with the statutory “ONLY FULL PAYMENT waives” language before filing.
  • Other lease breaches: 10-day notice to quit (state baseline).
  • Month-to-month termination: 30-day written notice (for terms <1 year, other than week-to-week).
  • Year-to-year termination: 60-day written notice (may be served within the last 4 months of the year).

Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance (overlay). For non-renewal or rent increases, give 30 / 60 / 120 days’ notice depending on occupancy length (<6 months / 6–36 months / >36 months). Applies citywide, including many units that are RLTO-exempt. 

Entry standards. Follow local entry-notice rules: Chicago RLTO requires 48-hour advance notice at reasonable times (emergencies excepted); Cook County RTLO (outside Chicago) likewise requires 2 days’ notice. 

No self-help evictions. Lockouts, utility shut-offs, removing doors/locks, or blocking access are illegal under Chicago RLTO §5-12-160 and Cook County RTLO; eviction requires court process and sheriff enforcement.

Move-In and Move-Out Standards

Delivery condition. Provide a professionally cleaned, safe unit with all building systems and included appliances in working order at move-in. Local inspection checklists (e.g., Cook County’s habitability checklist covering windows/doors, egress, stairs, lighting/ventilation) reflect baseline safety items you’re expected to meet.

Condition checklist. Complete a joint move-in checklist with the tenant (document rooms, finishes, fixtures, and appliances), capture time-stamped photos/video, and have both parties sign; revisit the checklist at pre-move-out and final move-out. Thorough documentation protects both sides and supports any lawful deposit deductions—Illinois law requires itemized deductions (with receipts/estimates) within 30 days and returning any balance within 45 days; Chicago’s RLTO imposes similar itemization/timing rules.

Security Deposit Disclosure and Handling

Disclosure. Clearly state the security deposit (or move-in fee) amounts and terms in both the listing and the lease, including any conditions for deductions and the timelines for return. (This supports compliance with Illinois’ Security Deposit statutes and local ordinances.)

State-law timelines (buildings 5+ units). If you deduct anything, you must deliver an itemized statement with receipts/estimates within 30 days after move-out, and return any remaining balance within 45 days. If you give only estimates at 30 days, you must send paid receipts within 30 days after the estimate notice. 

Statewide interest (buildings 25+ units). If a deposit is held more than 6 months, pay annual interest at the rate set by IDFPR for that year (for 2025, the statewide rate announcement is 0.005%; APY 0.01%). Interest is due within 30 days after each 12-month rental period (or on termination).

Chicago-specific rules (if covered by RLTO).

  • Hold deposits in a separate, insured, interest-bearing Illinois account and pay annual interest at the City Comptroller’s rate (0.01% for 2025).
  • RLTO imposes strict penalties for mishandling—including two times the deposit plus interest and fees.
  • Cook County RTLO (outside Chicago). Maintain deposits separately, provide receipts, cap deposits at 1.5× monthly rent, and return within 30 days with an itemized list of deductions (subject to ordinance penalties for noncompliance).

    Tentunit custody option. If Tentunit holds the deposit in a custodial account, we will release funds only in line with the Illinois 30/45-day timelines (and any local-ordinance requirements) upon receipt of proper itemization and documentation from the landlord.

Indemnification and Violations

Indemnification. Landlords shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tentunit, its affiliates, and their officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors from any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) the landlord’s breach of this Statement or any Tentunit policy/terms; (b) violations of any applicable law or third-party rights; (c) negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, or other misconduct by the landlord or anyone acting on the landlord’s behalf; (d) any injury, damage, or loss connected with the listing, property, content, or services provided by the landlord; and (e) any disputes between the landlord and tenants, applicants, or other platform users.

Enforcement. Tentunit may, in its discretion and without prior notice, take one or more of the following actions for suspected or confirmed violations: remove or refuse listings; suspend or terminate the landlord’s account or access; withhold, delay, or offset payouts while a dispute, investigation, or chargeback is pending; limit product features; require corrective action or documentation; and seek injunctive or other equitable relief. Severe or repeated violations may result in permanent account closure and blacklisting.

Law violations. Conduct that violates fair-housing, consumer-protection, advertising, deposit-handling, utility, habitability, privacy/entry, or landlord-tenant laws can expose landlords to statutory penalties, actual and treble damages (where applicable), attorneys’ fees, regulatory investigations, and court orders—independent of Tentunit’s platform enforcement.

Local Overlay Quick Reference (examples; not exhaustive)

City of Chicago

  • Entry: RLTO requires 48-hour notice (reasonable times; emergencies excepted).
  • Heat ordinance: Sep 15–Jun 1 minimums (68°F 8:30am–10:30pm; 66°F 10:30pm–8:30am).
  • Bed bugs: Landlord must initiate professional treatment within 10 days of discovery or reasonable suspicion and maintain required records.
  • Security deposits: Annual interest 0.01% (2025); strict accounting, separate account, and severe penalties for mishandling (including multiple damages).

Cook County (outside Chicago)

  • Entry: RTLO requires 48-hour notice (reasonable times; emergencies excepted).
  • Bed bugs: Remediation duties and recordkeeping requirements apply.
  • Disclosures: Tenant rights summary and other ordinance disclosures are required.

Notes: This Statement summarizes core duties for Tentunit use and is not legal advice. When state and local rules differ, Tentunit applies the stricter standard. If any term here conflicts with a law that grants greater tenant protections, the law controls.

References

Note: This Statement is a platform policy document and general legal summary for Illinois. It is not legal advice. Local ordinances (e.g., Chicago RLTO and security-deposit interest rules, Cook County RTLO, source-of-income protections, local rental registration/inspection programs, minimum heat requirements, bedbug disclosure/response rules, and detector/safety mandates) may impose additional obligations you are responsible for complying with any local overlays applicable to your property.