Can an Illinois landlord charge a lease admin fee?
For Illinois residential leases signed on or after January 1, 2027 (765 ILCS 705/35).
Last reviewed November 1, 2026 against Public Act 104-0479 and the sources below · How we check facts
Yes, with care
This fee is allowed if disclosed, but it is easy to get wrong.
What the law says
Not banned by name. It must not duplicate screening costs or work as a second application fee, and it must be on page one.
How to disclose it on page one
Example wording for the first page of the lease:
Lease administration fee (non-refundable): $150, due at signing.
Use the same wording in the listing, or link a free fee disclosure page that shows it.
For renters
If a lease admin fee is required but missing from page one of a lease signed from January 1, 2027, you are not liable for it. Renter rights.
Make your disclosure in about two minutes. Put every required fee on one page with a link you can paste into any listing, plus a print-ready block for page one of your lease.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Illinois landlord charge a lease admin fee?
Yes, with care. Not banned by name. It must not duplicate screening costs or work as a second application fee, and it must be on page one.
Does a lease admin fee have to be on the first page of the lease?
If every tenant (or every tenant in that situation) must pay it, yes. Non-optional fees must be explicitly listed on page one, or the tenant is not liable for them.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with an Illinois attorney.