As we move into 2026, several important legal updates are now in effect that directly impact Illinois condominium and homeowner associations. From new lease requirements to long-awaited clarity around squatters, and even changes to how mail is officially dated, these updates may require boards, managers, and association counsel to revisit current practices.

Below is a practical overview of what’s changed and what your association should be doing now.

Illinois Safe Homes Act: New Lease Attachment Requirement

Effective January 1, 2026, Illinois landlords must attach a Summary of Rights as the first page of all new and renewed residential leases. This requirement stems from the Illinois Safe Homes Act and applies even though the underlying tenant protections related to domestic and sexual violence have been in place since 2007.

The Summary of Rights, provided by the Illinois Department of Human Rights, outlines protections available to tenants who are survivors of domestic or sexual violence, including rights related to lease termination and safety accommodations.

What This Means for Associations

• Associations acting as landlords for units they own or control must comply.
• The Summary of Rights must be:
  • Attached as the first page of the lease
  • Signed by the tenant
• Boards should ensure their lease templates and renewal processes are updated immediately.

What Boards Should Do Now

• Review all current lease and renewal templates.
• Confirm the Illinois Department of Human Rights Summary of Rights is attached as the first page.
• Coordinate with management and legal counsel to update leasing procedures.
• Train staff or volunteers involved in leasing on the new requirement.
• Retain signed acknowledgements in unit files for compliance documentation.

The “Squatter Bill”: Faster Removal of Unauthorized Occupants

Also effective January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 1563, commonly referred to as the Squatter Bill, significantly changes how unauthorized occupants are handled in Illinois.

Previously, property owners often had to go through the formal (and time-consuming) eviction process to remove individuals who had no legal right to occupy a unit. The new law closes that loophole.

What’s Changed

• Squatters are now clearly defined as criminal trespassers.
• Law enforcement may:
• File criminal trespass charges
• Remove squatters and their belongings from the property

Practical Steps for Owners and Associations

• If an unauthorized individual is discovered in a unit:
  • Inform them they are not permitted to remain and must vacate.
  • If they refuse, contact local law enforcement to report criminal trespass.

What Boards Should Do Now

• Review policies for handling unauthorized occupants.
• Educate board members and management on the distinction between tenants and trespassers.
• Establish a clear internal protocol for documenting incidents.
• Confirm when and how law enforcement should be contacted.
• Consult legal counsel before taking action in complex or disputed situations.

U.S. Postal Service Postmark Changes: Why Notice Timing Matters More Than Ever

Effective December 24, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service clarified that a postmark reflects the date an item is processed by USPS—not the date it is placed in the mail. In practice, this means:

• Mail dropped on January 1 may not be postmarked until January 2 or later.
• Associations relying on postmarks to establish compliance with notice deadlines may face unintended risks.

Why Boards Should Pay Attention

Depending on how your governing documents define notice requirements, this change could impact:

• Meeting notices
• Election materials
• Rule change notifications
• Assessment-related mailings

Boards, managers, and legal counsel should review governing documents to confirm whether current notice practices still comply.

A Strong Case for Electronic Notices

This update reinforces why many associations are:

• Adopting electronic notice provisions
• Encouraging owners to opt into email and electronic delivery

Electronic notice reduces reliance on mail timing, improves consistency, and lowers administrative costs, but must be adopted correctly to comply with governing documents and Illinois law.

What Boards Should Do Now

• Review governing documents to understand current notice requirements.
• Confirm whether notice deadlines rely on postmark dates.
• Consult legal counsel about adopting or updating electronic notice provisions.
• Encourage owners to opt into electronic delivery where permitted.
• Work with management to standardize notice practices across all communications.

Final Takeaway

These 2026 legal updates may seem incremental, but together they have real operational implications for Illinois condo and HOA boards. Now is the time to:

• Review lease templates and landlord practices
• Update policies for handling unauthorized occupants
• Reevaluate notice and communication procedures

Staying proactive helps boards reduce risk, improve compliance, and better serve their communities. For more information on new legal changes in 2026, check out Keough & Moody’s recent newsletter.

As legal expectations continue to evolve, financial planning remains one of the most effective tools condo boards have to stay compliant and resilient. Haus Financial Services helps smaller condo associations find financial harmony, remain compliant with state law and your governing documents, and operate transparently, without the cost or complexity of a full-service management company. Learn more about HausFS services.

Serving on a condominium board is both an honor and a responsibility, but for many new (and even seasoned) board members, the scope of the role isn’t always clear. From navigating governing documents to understanding fiduciary duty, a strong foundation is essential for effective leadership and a well-run association.

That’s why Chicago Condo Resource is partnering with Haus Financial Services and Condoly to offer a Board Basics Training designed to quickly and clearly educate both new and existing board members on their core responsibilities under Illinois law.

Event Details

• Board Basics Training: Board Responsibilities
• Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: Virtual
• Cost: Free

What You’ll Learn

This one-hour session will cover the fundamentals every condominium board member should understand, including:

• Board Roles and Responsibilities: learn what is expected of board members individually and collectively, and how to work effectively as a governing body.
• Understanding Your Governing Documents: gain clarity on declarations, bylaws, and rules—and how they guide decision-making and daily operations.
• Fiduciary Duty: understand your legal and ethical obligations to act in the best interest of the association and its owners.
• Elections: review best practices for fair, compliant board elections and leadership transitions.

Why This Training Matters

A well-informed board is key to minimizing conflict, reducing confusion, and building trust within your community. Whether you’re new to board service or looking for a refresher, this training will provide practical guidance to help you lead with confidence and clarity.

To attend, Register your FREE Condoly account or Sign in to your existing Condoly account to register.

If you’re committed to strengthening your association and supporting effective governance, this Board Basics Training is a great place to start. We hope you’ll join us!

As we welcome 2026, we'd like to wish our readers a very Happy New Year! A new year is the perfect time for condo boards, property managers, and owners to refocus on what matters most. Here are three priorities to start the year strong:

1. Financial Well-Being: A solid financial plan and routine oversight sets the tone for the year ahead. Stay on top of budgets, reserves, and long-term planning with financial management support from trusted partners like Haus Financial Services. Expert financial management can help your association make confident, proactive decisions.
2. The Right Vendors & Systems: Reliable vendors and efficient building management are essential, especially in Chicago. Tools like Condoly.io help you find, hire, and manage vendors for all of your HOA needs. Make maintenance and management of your communities a simple, stress-free experience in 2026.
3. Knowledge & Resources That Empower:  ChicagoCondoResource.com connects you to news, information and resources to help you better manage your association. Membership provides access to Educational Videos, Ask the Expert Q&As, and practical Templates designed to support condo boards and owners. Our blog and event calendar are always free and open to all visitors. Stay tuned for exciting new offerings coming in 2026!

As the new year begins, each Chicago condo community continues to be an essential part of what makes our city thrive. Here’s to a year of working together, moving forward, and building strong, connected communities. Wishing you health, prosperity, and successful condo living in the New Year!

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our community and for leading your own. Serving on a condominium board is no small commitment for those who volunteer their time to support their neighbors, protect their building, and make thoughtful decisions that impact the entire association. We are grateful for your readership and for the care you bring to your communities throughout the year.

We hope this holiday season gives you a chance to step back, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends—well deserved after another busy year of budgets, meetings, and problem-solving. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a healthy, successful year ahead!

As always, please remember that you don’t have to do this work alone. If you need financial guidance, accounting support, or help navigating complex association decisions, Haus Financial Services is here for you. And if you’re looking for trusted vendors or an easier way to connect with professionals who understand condo communities, Condoly is ready to help—now and in the year ahead.

Chicago winters can be brutal, and a heating emergency in your condo building can escalate quickly. Here’s what boards and owners should keep in mind to stay safe and minimize damage.

1. Respond Quickly: If a resident reports a loss of heat, acknowledge it right away and determine whether it’s an individual unit or a building-wide issue. Contact your HVAC or boiler contractor as soon as possible, ideally one with 24/7 service.
2. Communicate Clearly: Keep residents updated with what’s happening, who is working on the problem, and when they can expect the next update. Clear communication reduces stress and helps residents plan.
3. Prevent Freeze Damage: During an outage, encourage residents to; keep cabinet doors open near plumbing, let faucets drip slightly, and close common-area doors to retain warmth. This can help prevent frozen or burst pipes.
4. Support Residents While Repairs Are Underway: Share tips for safe space heater use, open a warm common area if possible, and check in on vulnerable residents. For longer outages in extreme cold, consider temporary accommodations for those most at risk.
5. Prepare Ahead of Time: Annual system inspections, updated emergency contacts, and reminders about reporting procedures can help prevent emergencies—or make them easier to manage.

Managing heating emergencies (and all building issues) gets easier with the right tools. Condoly.io helps condo boards and associations find, hire, and manage professionals for all your property management and maintenance solutions for your community. It’s a smart way to stay prepared before winter hits.