Hey @Corby Goade - Just for your own reference since I know you aren't local. CAR Chicago Association of Realtors develops a standard lease with local attorneys & industry-leading realtors each year. It also abides by the residential landlord-tenant ordinance, which if you use other leases is where a lot of things can be missed.
So while I don't recommend using it without understanding it, it has been pre-vetted by attorneys so is actually a pretty good lease to use for anyone new or old (but specific to Chicago)
Legal contracts created by REALTOR associations are copyrighted and only for REALTOR member use. This is probably true in every state. That's why so many REALTORS will share it via a DM instead of posting it publicly. They are in violation of copyright law and shouldn't do it.
This is straight from the Chicago Association of REALTORS website:
A reminder that the Chicago Residential Lease, and all of CAR’s forms and contracts, are an exclusive member benefit for use only by Chicago Association of REALTORS® members or those who are party to a transaction facilitated by a Chicago Association of REALTORS® member. Distributing or posting any of CAR’s forms and contracts is a copyright infringement and a violation of the terms of use of our forms.
@Jonathan Klemm, I'm also looking for the 2023 Chicago Residential Lease template and would greatly appreciate if you could send it to me. Many thanks!