Illinois Room Rental Agreement
An Illinois room rental agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions for shared occupancy of a residential space. This agreement is essential for establishing a clear understanding between principal tenants and subtenants in shared living arrangements within the state.

Illinois Room Rental Agreement
Terms and Conditions
The Illinois room rental agreement defines various aspects of shared living, including shared and private spaces. It specifies which areas are common and which are private. Additionally, the agreement establishes guidelines related to several important factors:
- Pets
- Parties
- Parking
- Noise levels
- Alcohol use
Screening Process
Utilizing a rental application is recommended to streamline the screening process for potential subtenants. This aids the principal tenant in making informed decisions regarding whom to allow into the shared living arrangement.
Guest to Tenant Transition
According to the Landlord and Tenant Act (765 Illinois Compiled Statutes 705/), guests become tenants when they establish residency without obtaining permission from the landlord. This can occur through actions such as receiving mail at the property address or updating their ID or license with the property address. This transition emphasizes the importance of monitoring guest activities to avoid unintended tenant status.
Statutes
- 765 ILCS 710/1 – Statement of damage
- 765 ILCS 710(c) – Statement of damage
- 765 ILCS 715/1
- 765 ILCS 715/2
- 735 ILCS 5/9-102 – When action may be maintained
- 735 ILCS 5/9-205 – Notice to terminate tenancy from year to year
- 735 ILCS 5/9-207(a) – Notice to Terminate a Week-to-Week Lease
- 735 ILCS 5/9-207(b) – Notice to Terminate a Month-to-Month Lease
- 735 ILCS 5/9-207.5 – Termination of bona fide leases in residential real estate in foreclosure
- 735 ILCS 5/9-209 – Demand for rent – eviction action
- 735 ILCS 5/9-210 – Notice to quit
- 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1 – Duty of landlord to mitigate damages
- 735 ILCS 5/9-318 – Seizure of Crops for Unpaid Rent
- 765 ILCS 705/25 – (Text of Section from P.A. 103-840) Disclosure of potential flooding in rental and lease agreements
- 765 ILCS 735/1.4 – Prohibition on termination of utility service by landlord
- 765 ILCS 750/1 – Short Title
- 765 ILCS 750/5 – Purpose
- 765 ILCS 740/5 – Disclosure of utility payments included in rent
- 765 ILCS 742/5 – Repair; deduction from rent
- 765 ILCS 750/20 – Change of Locks
- 765 ILCS 750/27 – Nondisclosure, Confidentiality, and Privilege
- 765 ILCS 720/1 – [Repealed Effective 1/1/2025]
- 770 ILCS 95/7.10 – Late Fees
- 420 ILCS 46/26 – Disclosure of radon hazard to current and prospective tenants
- 810 ILCS 5/3-806
FAQs
An Illinois room rental agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions for shared occupancy of a residential space. It specifies shared and private areas, and sets rules regarding pets, parties, parking, noise levels, and alcohol use.
A rental application helps principal tenants streamline the screening process for potential subtenants, allowing them to make informed decisions based on the applicants’ backgrounds and suitability for shared living arrangements.
In Illinois, a guest becomes a tenant when they establish residency without the landlord’s permission, such as by receiving mail or updating their ID or license to reflect the property address.
Key components of a room rental agreement in Illinois include definitions of shared and private spaces, rules regarding pets, parties, parking, noise levels, and alcohol use, ensuring clarity between principal tenants and subtenants.
Having a room rental agreement is important as it ensures a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, helping to prevent disputes and misunderstandings in shared living situations.
An Illinois room rental agreement can include rules related to pets, parties, parking, noise levels, and alcohol use, which help maintain a harmonious living environment among tenants.