Landlords and Changing or Rekeying Locks (Illinois)

By Matthew A. Quick The Landlord Tenant Act has been updated to require landlords to change or rekey locks of rental property after a renter moves out if the new renter has a written lease agreement. If the landlord does not change or rekey the locks, the landlord is liable for any damages for theft that occur. It exempts (1) apartment buildings with four units or less if the owner occupies one of the units or (2) the rented room is in a private home also occupied by the owner. This law will become effective January 1, 2012, and is codified at 765 ILCS 705/15.