Skip to main content





Welcome to IRPOA!

If you own, manage, or develop rental property in Illinois, you’re in the right place. We fight for your interests in Springfield, keep you updated on key laws and regulations, and connect you with the tools and community to help you thrive.

Subscribe to This Site Today!










Stop HB3564
Protect Illinois Housing Affordability
Take Action on HB3564

HomePA_103-1031

Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act – What Illinois Landlords Must Do by January 1, 2026

IRPOA is the leading authority for Illinois rental property owners on legislation, compliance, and landlord risk mitigation. This page explains what the Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act requires, why it matters to landlords, and how to comply correctly.

At a glance

  • Law: Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act (Public Act 103-1031)
  • Effective date: January 1, 2026
  • Applies to: All new and renewing Illinois residential leases
  • Main requirement: Attach the state-approved summary as page 1 of the lease and obtain tenant signatures on each page of the summary
  • Risk: Potential liability up to $2,000 (plus court costs and attorney fees) for failure to comply

What is the Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act?

The Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act (Public Act 103-1031) is an Illinois law requiring landlords to attach a state-approved summary of tenant housing protections related to domestic and sexual violence as the first page of every new or renewing residential lease starting January 1, 2026. Landlords must also obtain tenant signatures acknowledging receipt on each page of the summary.

Why this law matters to Illinois landlords

From IRPOA’s perspective, this is a strict compliance requirement with direct financial exposure. Even well-intentioned landlords can face preventable risk if the summary is missing, not placed as page one, or not signed properly.

IRPOA recommendation: Update your lease template and renewal process before January 1, 2026. Treat this as a “must-do” compliance item with a documented paper trail.

Landlord compliance checklist

To comply with Public Act 103-1031, Illinois landlords should:

  1. Attach the official state summary as page one of every covered lease.
  2. Include it for new leases and renewals (not just first-time move-ins).
  3. Obtain signatures from each tenant on every page of the summary.
  4. Keep copies of the signed summary with your lease records.
  5. Confirm you’re using the most current state-issued version.

What happens if a landlord does not comply?

Failure to comply may create a rebuttable presumption that the landlord failed to meet disclosure obligations and may result in landlord liability of up to $2,000 (or $100, whichever is greater), plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, depending on the circumstances.

In plain English

If you provide a lease without this summary as page one (and without signatures on every page of the summary), you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary liability. Build it into your standard workflow.

IRPOA legislative insight

Reviewed for landlords: This guidance reflects IRPOA’s landlord-focused interpretation for compliance and risk reduction.

IRPOA monitors legislation affecting rental property owners and provides practical compliance guidance so members can stay current and reduce legal risk.

Required document download

Landlords must attach the official “Summary of Rights for Safer Homes” to qualifying leases. IRPOA provides the required document below.

Download the required summary:

Summary of Rights for Safer Homes – Required Lease Attachment (PDF)
Attach as page 1 of all new and renewing Illinois residential leases beginning January 1, 2026. Obtain tenant signatures on each page.

How to comply (step-by-step)

  1. Download the required summary.
    Use the IRPOA-hosted PDF and confirm it is the most current state-issued version.
  2. Insert as page one of the lease.
    Attach the summary as the first page for all new and renewal residential leases in Illinois.
  3. Collect signatures on every page.
    Ensure each tenant signs the acknowledgment on each page of the summary.
  4. Retain signed copies.
    Save signed pages with your lease records as evidence of compliance.
  5. Standardize your workflow.
    Add this requirement to your renewal checklist so it is never missed.

Frequently asked questions

Does this apply to renewals or only brand-new leases?

It applies to both new leases and renewing residential leases in Illinois beginning January 1, 2026.

Where does the summary go in the lease packet?

The summary must be attached as the first page of the written residential lease.

Do tenants need to sign the summary?

Yes. Each tenant must sign the acknowledgment on each page of the summary.

What’s the risk if I forget to include it?

Failure to comply may expose a landlord to statutory damages up to $2,000 (plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees) for failure to comply.