SPRINGFIELD – In light of the rising cost of living nationwide, State Senator Mike Simmons joined State Representative Nabeela Syed at a press conference Thursday to highlight legislation that would help ensure the renting process is transparent and fair.
“Renters across my district need transparency when they are searching for housing,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By removing junk fees and requiring leases to list all applicable fees on the front page, we are giving tenants the information they need to rent fairly.”
Under Simmons’ bill, landlords wouldn’t be able to charge tenants for 11 types of fees, including modifying or renewing a lease, for the receipt of an eviction notice unless it is granted, for routine maintenance and upkeep, for pest abatement and removal, or for contacting the building owner or property manager.
Further, House Bill 3564 outlines which types of fees can be charged to a tenant, how those fees must be disclosed and the manner in which they can be charged. Any fees connected to a tenant’s lease would need to be disclosed on the first page of the lease, along with a description of each fee, including whether utilities are covered within the rent. Tenants would not be responsible for paying any fee that is not disclosed within their lease.
Under the measure, landlords would also be prohibited from charging both a security deposit and a move-in fee.
”This isn’t about picking sides. It’s about making sure everyone walks into a rental agreement on the same page,” said State Representative Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine). “When fees are transparent upfront, renters can budget accurately and landlords avoid disputes down the line. That’s a win for the rental market as a whole.”
House Bill 3564 passed both chambers and heads to the governor’s desk.
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