In a cooling climate your state's laws probably state the calendar date upon which heat needs to be provided (for example beginning October 15th) and the temperatures that the unit is required to maintain (for example 65 degrees). 2.

If you found a replacement tenant that he found suitable and moved them in before you entered in any unpaid portion of your lease, I would expect you to receive a full refund of the security deposit.I would check with the state laws and see how much you can sue him for in small claims court.

You are required by law to find a replacement tenant as quickly as possible and then refund any unused rent income.

I’m worried about liability, safety, and frankly, whether my personal belongings are at risk.I’m in Illinois (but not in Cook County or Chicago, where I know the laws are stricter).

Is there any state law that I can use? 

The laws need to be changed.

I have the nolo press book, "California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities " but it doesn't address this specific  scenario.  

Ideally, looking for 'standard' contracting for the state that is aligned with local / municipal /state laws pertaining to tenant and landlord regulations.Thank you.

That said, some states have laws that say if a title company or a lawyer has to do the closing.

@Scott Trench or whomever it is calling the shots on the forum laws are just chasing their tails with a moving goalpost of arbitrary rules that will always motivate people to try to skirt them.Why?