Illinois Commercial Lease Agreement

For non-payment of commercial rent in Illinois, the landlord must serve a 5-day notice to pay rent or vacate. After 5 days, the landlord can file a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) action in Circuit Court. Cook County courts can be slower — contested evictions may take weeks to months.

Yes. Chicago's Real Property Transfer Tax applies to leases with terms exceeding 99 years and to lease assignments. For ordinary commercial leases, the transfer tax typically does not apply, but consult counsel when assigning or transferring long-term commercial leases in Chicago.

No. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) applies only to residential properties. Commercial leases in Chicago and throughout Illinois are not subject to rent control — all terms, including rent and escalation schedules, are freely negotiated.

Common area maintenance (CAM) charges should be precisely defined — which costs are includable, how they're calculated, whether there are annual caps, and the tenant's audit rights. Illinois courts enforce CAM provisions as written, so specificity protects both parties.