Signing a lease can feel like flipping to the end of a comic book without reading the middle—risky, confusing, and likely to miss something important. Whether renting your first apartment or relocating to a new place, that lease agreement is more than just paperwork. It’s a legal contract with real consequences. And while it might be tempting to skim through and only check the rent amount and move-in date, there’s a lot more in there that can impact your day-to-day life.
Not knowing what you’ve agreed to could leave you stuck with unexpected fees, strict rules, or even facing eviction over something you didn’t realize was prohibited—the fine print matters. In Illinois and Indiana, there’s no requirement that lease agreements be overly user-friendly, and many are packed with legal terms that don’t always speak plainly. The more you understand, the better you can protect yourself. Make sure you check these terms as well.
Rent, Security Deposits, and Late Fees
Let’s start with the basics. Your lease should clearly state the rent amount, when it’s due, and how it should be paid. Make sure it also lists what happens if you’re late. Landlords can charge a late fee in Illinois and Indiana, but it must be reasonable. Indiana law does not specify a maximum late fee for residential leases. However, any late fee imposed must be reasonable and serve as compensation for costs incurred by the landlord due to the tenant’s late payment. As of the writing of this article, Illinois has no state cap but the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance in Chicago limits late fees to $10 on the first $500 of rent plus 5% on any amount over $500.
Security deposits are another big one. In Indiana, there’s no limit on how much a landlord can charge. Still, they must return it within 45 days after you move out, along with an itemized list of any deductions. In Illinois, if your building has five or more units, the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days (or 45 days if they’re deducting for damages). Always get documentation when you move in and out—it can help you dispute unfair charges later.
Maintenance, Entry, and Lease Break Clauses
Every lease should say who handles repairs and what happens when something breaks. Indiana law says landlords must provide safe and livable housing. Still, tenants must give written notice of problems before a landlord is required to act. In Illinois, tenants may use the “repair and deduct” remedy for minor repairs. If a landlord fails to address a repair within 14 days of written notice, the tenant can arrange for the repair and deduct the cost from the rent, provided the cost does not exceed the lesser of $500 or one-half of the monthly rent.
Another key issue is entry rights. Your landlord can’t just appear unannounced in the hallway like The Punisher. In Indiana, landlords must give “reasonable” notice before entering, except in emergencies. Illinois doesn’t have a statewide rule, but 48 hours’ notice is required in Chicago. Your lease may spell out what is considered “reasonable;” if it doesn’t, it’s worth asking.
And then there’s the lease break clause. Life changes fast—job moves, health issues, family needs. If your lease has an early termination clause, it will tell you the cost and process to break it. If it doesn’t, you could be on the hook for rent until the lease ends unless the landlord can re-rent the unit.
Need Help Reading the Fine Print?
A lease can look simple, but even minor details can lead to problems if you don’t fully understand what you’re signing. If you’re in Illinois or Indiana and want a second pair of eyes on your lease, Auricchio Law Offices can help you understand it and take the next step. Reach out today for a clear, practical conversation about your options.
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