If you’re an Illinois landlord, there’s a new rule in town designed to streamline tenant screening—and it might catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. The Reusable Tenant Screening Report law (part of 765 ILCS 705/25, effective January 1, 2025) aims to prevent both landlords and tenants from wasting time, money, and paperwork. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of the game.
1. What Is a Reusable Screening Report, Exactly?
Under this new provision, prospective tenants can obtain a single, comprehensive screening report—covering credit history, eviction records, employment verification, and any other standard checks—from a recognized consumer credit reporting agency. Armed with that official report, tenants can then share it directly with multiple landlords without paying a new application fee each time.
Translation: If a prospective tenant brings you a valid, up-to-date reusable report containing all the criteria you typically require, you cannot charge them for re-checking the same information.
2. Why Does Illinois Care?
Tenant Fairness
Renters often apply to multiple properties, racking up screening fees each time. This law levels the playing field by preventing repeated charges for the same data.Reduced Administrative Hassle
Landlords also benefit from not having to run redundant checks—especially if a current, reputable screening report is already on the table.Transparency and Uniformity
When landlords see the same standardized report, there’s less confusion or suspicion about missing details—and fewer disputes later on.
3. Your Obligations as a Landlord
No Double-Dipping on Fees
If the prospective tenant presents a valid reusable report from an approved source (e.g., a consumer reporting agency) that meets all your usual screening requirements, you cannot charge an application fee to run the exact same checks again.Verify the Report’s Scope
The report must include everything you normally look for. If it’s missing a key piece of your criteria—like criminal background checks or employment verification—you can still run those checks yourself. However, you can’t pass that charge on to the applicant unless the report truly fails to meet the statutory standard (i.e., it’s incomplete or outdated).Check the Date
The law typically requires the report to be no more than 30 days old. If it’s older, you can ask for a newer report or conduct your own check (still free to the tenant unless the tenant’s report is invalid).You Can Still Run Your Own Reports
Want to confirm the details? You have every right to perform your own screening for peace of mind—but you can’t charge if the applicant’s reusable report meets the law’s requirements and your full set of criteria.Require a Statement of No Material Change
You can ask the tenant to certify that their situation (e.g., employment status, eviction history) hasn’t changed since the report was generated. If they can’t certify or you suspect changes, you can request more information.
4. Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Charging Fees Anyway
If you decide to tack on your usual screening fee for an already-complete and recent report, you’re violating the law—and exposing yourself to legal risks.Overlooking Your Own Criteria
If the provided report almost covers everything but lacks one key piece, clarify this with the applicant. Get the missing info or run that particular check yourself.Non-Compliance by Staff
Make sure property managers and admins understand the new guidelines. One misstep could lead to costly disputes or negative reviews.
5. Pro Tips for Landlords
Pro Tip #1: Post Your Screening Requirements Online
Let applicants know upfront what data you normally check (credit score range, eviction history, etc.). This helps them (and you) see immediately if their reusable report covers everything.Pro Tip #2: Keep a Written Policy on File
Have a simple internal document that details how you handle reusable reports, including how you verify completeness. Consistent application keeps you safe from discrimination claims.Pro Tip #3: Document Any Reason for Additional Checks
If you do run your own report, note why (e.g., the tenant’s provided report lacked criminal background info). This paper trail is handy if the tenant later questions your decision.
6. Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change
Illinois’s reusable tenant screening report law is designed to streamline the application process for both landlords and tenants. While it introduces a new step—verifying the completeness and freshness of an existing report—it can save time and hassle when used correctly.
- Update Your Lease & Application Materials
Make it clear you honor reusable reports and detail your full screening criteria. - Train Your Staff
Anyone involved in leasing must know when you can (and can’t) charge a new screening fee. - Stay Fair & Transparent
If the reusable report checks all the boxes, respect the tenant’s effort and comply with the law. If it’s missing info, clearly explain which part of the screening you still need to do.
In Short:
- You’re not forced to accept a half-baked report.
- You are obligated to accept a valid, complete one—without piling on another fee.
- You can run your own checks if the tenant’s report doesn’t meet all your criteria, but the cost can’t be passed on if the tenant’s report is valid.
By respecting these rules, you’ll protect yourself from legal headaches, build goodwill with potential renters, and speed up the entire leasing process. It’s a win-win—so why not take advantage?
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult a qualified attorney or local housing authority to ensure full compliance with the new law and any applicable local regulations.
