ATTENTION: Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Now Available
What is the Safer Homes Act?
The Summary of Rights For Safer Homes Act (effective January 1, 2026) requires landlords to attach a specific summary as the first page(s) to their residential leases.
This summary notes protections, resources and assistance for survivors of domestic and sexual violence as it relates to housing.
Who provides the summary?
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) was charged with preparing this summary.
It is now accessible on their website.
How is it provided to tenants?
It must be attached to the front of the residential leases, whether the lease is new or a renewal.
The Act does not allow for a shortened or abbreviated version of this summary, and it must be signed on each page by the tenant acknowledging their receipt.
When do we start attaching this summary to residential leases?
Start this with any lease entered or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
Additional information concerning the Act is available here.
About the writer: Prior to joining Illinois REALTORS® in 2022, Victoria (Vicki) Munson was an attorney in private practice focusing on real estate and estate planning matters. She enjoyed assisting buyers and sellers in bringing their transactions to the closing table. Victoria earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School.
