Breaking a Lease in Illinois: 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1 Mitigation Rules

Compare Illinois early lease termination fees against landlord duty to mitigate under 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1 and subletting options in Chicago.

LEASE-BREAK SCENARIO

Illinois: Early Lease Break & Mitigation Calculator

Compare Illinois early lease termination fees against landlord duty to mitigate under 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1 and subletting options in Chicago.

Why this calculation is mathematically fair

Illinois statute 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1 requires landlords to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages when a tenant vacates before lease expiration. If the landlord refuses reasonable re-rental efforts or rejects qualified replacement applicants, tenant rent liability is terminated.

Frequently asked questions

Does an Illinois landlord have to look for a replacement tenant? +

Yes. 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1 imposes a statutory duty on landlords to take reasonable measures to mitigate damages by finding a new tenant.

Can a Chicago landlord charge unreasonable lease break fees? +

Under Chicago CRLTO, unreasonable penalties are subject to judicial scrutiny, and landlords cannot collect double recovery (both buyout fee and immediate re-rental rent).

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