landlord/tenant laws and lease forms, IL, Cook County

[Yulia J.]

My husband and I are closing on our first 3-flat soon - it's in IL, Cook County (a suburb, not Chicago). We will be living in 1 of the units and renting out the other 2. The 2 units have month-to-month tenants who have been there for years, and they might decide to stay or not. We plan to ask them to sign 9-12 months lease agreements. I am trying to read up and get prepared before the closing date and before we meet them in person. What is the best source to study federal, state and county laws describing landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities? And what is the best source to get lease agreement forms and other necessary forms compliant with state/county laws and regulations? 

I will appreciate any links or references!

[Matthew Kreitzer]

The best resource would be to sit down with an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for a thorough explanation of any specific laws that may apply in your jurisdiction. The only other way you're going to get a comprehensive, non-misleading analysis of your situation is to head down to your local law library and study up on all ordinances; whether county of city, all state legislation, and all federal law. Even then, you are unlikely to get a complete picture. If your interest is protecting yourself from a lawsuit, spend the money up front and invest in a good, attorney drafted lease agreement.