LeadSafeRulesChicago landlord lead paint rules (2026)
Short answer: Chicago Municipal Code Ch. 7-4 requires owners to control lead hazards when present. It is a hazard-order / mitigation framework, not a periodic rental lead certificate. At every pre-1978 lease you still owe federal + Illinois disclosure (845.25).
Chicago Ch. 7-4 in plain English
When a lead hazard is identified, owners must control it under Chicago’s lead regulations. That is different from cities that issue a renewing “lead-safe certificate” on a fixed cycle. Source: Chicago CDPH lead regulations · city summary: Chicago lead-safe rental rules.
Still required at every lease
Triggered inspections
Illinois inspections are typically triggered by elevated blood lead investigations or hazard orders (410 ILCS 45), not a fixed Chicago rental certificate renewal. Hire an Illinois-licensed lead inspector / risk assessor when an inspection is required.
Statewide guide: Do Illinois landlords need a lead inspection? · Checklist: Illinois landlord checklist
Check one address, then track every lease date free.
Check a rental address Free certificate / lease tracker Disclosure packet PDF
FAQ
Does Chicago require a lead-safe certificate for rentals?
We found no periodic rental lead-safe certificate in Chicago. Ch. 7-4 is hazard-control based. Federal + Illinois disclosure still applies at each pre-1978 lease.
What is Chicago Municipal Code Ch. 7-4?
Chicago’s lead hazard control framework: owners must control lead hazards when present. It is not a fixed-cycle rental certificate program (CDPH lead regulations).
What do Chicago landlords hand tenants at lease signing?
Federal lead disclosure, the EPA pamphlet, the Illinois lead brochure, and any prior mitigation notice for the unit.
Sources checked Oct. 26, 2026.
Not legal advice. LeadSafeRules summarizes official city, state and federal sources for information only. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so confirm with the official source before relying on this.