Effective January 1, 2025, Public Act 103-0840 introduces new requirements for Illinois landlords regarding the use of reusable tenant screening reports. This amendment to the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705) is intended to reduce the financial burden on prospective tenants by limiting the collection of application screening fees when a valid reusable screening report is provided.
Landlords should review the following key provisions and prepare to make any necessary operational changes to ensure compliance.
Overview
A reusable tenant screening report is a written report prepared by a consumer credit reporting agency at the request and expense of a prospective tenant. The report must be no older than 30 days and must include:
- The tenant’s full name and contact information
- Last known residential address
- Verification of the tenant’s source of income
- Results of an eviction history check, consistent with applicable legal standards
- A clearly stated date through which the report information is current
The intent of the law is to permit prospective tenants to reuse recent reports when applying for multiple rental units, thereby avoiding repeated screening fees.
Criteria for Reusable Reports
To comply with the new law, a reusable screening report must:
- Be prepared within the previous 30 days
- Be prepared by a consumer credit reporting agency at the tenant’s request and expense
- Be accessible at no cost to the landlord
- Be delivered directly to the landlord or through a third-party platform that complies with all state and federal laws
- Include all the screening criteria customarily used by the landlord
A landlord may require an applicant to state that there has not been a material change to the information in the reusable tenant screening report.
Superseding Local Ordinances
If any municipal ordinance, resolution, or administrative policy provides greater protections to prospective tenants than those outlined in this law, the local policy will govern. Landlords operating in jurisdictions with more restrictive tenant protections should continue to follow those standards.
Landlord Restrictions
If a prospective tenant provides a reusable tenant screening report that meets the criteria outlined in the statute, landlords are prohibited from:
- Charging an application screening fee
- Charging any fee to access or use the report
Permitted Landlord Actions
Landlords retain the right to:
- Require a written statement from the applicant confirming that no material changes have occurred since the report was issued
- Process an internal application (e.g., to gather additional information or complete standard forms), provided no additional screening fee is charged
- Deny an application based on the information in the reusable report, if it does not meet the landlord’s established screening criteria, as long as such criteria comply with applicable fair housing and screening laws
Recommended Action Steps for Landlords
To prepare for compliance by the effective date of January 1, 2025, landlords should:
- Review and revise rental application policies and procedures
- Train your leasing and administrative staff on the new law and how to process reusable screening reports
- Ensure screening criteria are documented and applied consistently to all applicants
- Eliminate or adjust application fees where reusable reports are provided
- Establish procedures for confirming no material change in the information submitted
Why Partner with Three Pentacles, PLLC for Your Property Management Needs
Effective property management requires more than routine oversight—it demands legal insight, proactive planning, and a commitment to tenant well-being. At Three Pentacles, PLLC, we bring all of that and more to the table. Whether you’re navigating complex regulatory requirements or addressing compliance risks like Reusable Reports, our team offers the experience and dedication you need to protect your investment and support your tenants.
1. In-Depth Knowledge
Our firm is deeply familiar with the intricacies of property management, including Reusable Report requirements and broader compliance obligations. We help ensure your property adheres to all relevant statutes, minimizing legal exposure and enhancing transparency for your tenants.
2. Proactive Risk Management
We don’t wait for problems to occur—we anticipate and address them. Our approach includes evaluating risks, recommending preventive strategies, and keeping both you and your tenants fully informed. This proactive stance helps reduce liability and enhances property resilience.
3. Strong Tenant Communication
Clear, timely communication builds trust and improves retention. We prioritize tenant engagement, ensuring they receive accurate information about property conditions, including potential risks, maintenance updates, and more. This fosters a positive rental experience and encourages long-term occupancy.
4. Comprehensive Property Management Services
From lease administration and regular inspections to repairs and vendor coordination, we provide end-to-end management solutions. Our services also include guidance and mitigation strategies—helping you preserve property value and avoid costly setbacks.
5. Customized Management Plans
Every property is different. That’s why we develop tailored management strategies aligned with your goals, the specific features of your property, and the regulatory landscape of your location. Whether you own a single-family home or a portfolio, we deliver solutions that work for you.
Take the Next Step
If you’re looking to maximize your property’s potential, reduce risk, and improve compliance, including Reusable Reports requirements—Three Pentacles, PLLC is ready to assist.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can enhance your property operations while safeguarding your investment.
Let’s build a safer, stronger foundation for your rental property—together.
By: Arthur R. van der Vant
