New Illinois Law: Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act, Effective January 1, 2026

Illinois has enacted the Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act (765 ILCS 752), which imposes new requirements on residential landlords beginning January 1, 2026. The law is designed to ensure tenants—particularly survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking—are fully informed of their housing rights.

The purpose of the Act is to promote safer homes and financial security for tenants by ensuring awareness of rights such as early lease termination, lock changes, and confidentiality protections.

To comply, landlords must attach a Summary of Rights as the first page of every residential lease which includes a summary outlining protections under Illinois law and the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). All individuals listed on the lease must sign the summary.

Failure to comply carries financial liability to the tenant, starting at $100 or actual damages of up to $2,000, whichever is greater, plus attorneys’ fees and costs if a tenant prevails in court for a violation.

We recommend that landlords and property managers review and update lease agreements now in preparation for the January 1, 2026 deadline.

For more information on this new legislation or assistance with compliance, please contact your relationship attorney at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella.