What Disclosures Are Required When Selling a Home in Illinois?

When selling a home in Illinois, providing the required disclosures is an important part of the transaction. State and federal laws require sellers to share certain information about the property's condition and potential hazards with prospective buyers.

Illinois law requires home sellers to complete a Residential Real Property Disclosure Report, provide two specific pamphlets about radon hazards, and—for homes built before 1978—disclose any known lead-based paint hazards. Here's what each of those actually involves.

The Residential Real Property Disclosure Report

Under the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 77), sellers must complete a Residential Real Property Disclosure Report covering 23 separate line items about the property's condition during their ownership.

The disclosure form includes information about items such as:

• Known structural issues.

• Water damage.

• Defects with major systems.

The requirement applies to:

• Single-family homes.

• Multi-family properties with up to four units.

• Condominiums.

• Townhomes.

Illinois law also allows this disclosure report to be delivered to a buyer electronically.

Radon Disclosure

The Illinois Radon Awareness Act requires sellers to provide buyers with two specific pamphlets about radon hazards before the sales contract is signed.

The law does not require sellers to test for or remediate radon. Instead, the requirement is to provide the required hazard information. Many standard Illinois real estate contracts, however, include separate provisions allowing buyers to conduct radon testing.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Federal law separately requires sellers to disclose any known lead-based paint hazards for homes built before 1978, since older homes are more likely to contain lead-based paint or lead pipes.

If You Discover Something After Disclosing

Your disclosure obligations don't end once the initial forms have been delivered.

If you become aware of a defect—or realize your original disclosure was incomplete or inaccurate—after the disclosure has already been provided to the buyer, Illinois law requires you to submit a supplemental disclosure.

Every SaveEstate Core Listing Package includes disclosure packet guidance and a managing broker review before your listing goes live to help make sure these disclosure requirements are met.

Final Thoughts

Illinois disclosure laws are designed to ensure buyers receive important information about a property's condition before completing a purchase.

By completing the required Residential Real Property Disclosure Report, providing the required radon pamphlets, disclosing any known lead-based paint hazards when applicable, and updating disclosures if new information becomes available, sellers can better meet their legal obligations throughout the transaction.

For homeowners using SaveEstate's Core Listing Package, disclosure packet guidance and a managing broker review provide additional support in helping ensure the required documents are in place before the property is listed.

Ready to get started? Contact SaveEstate or submit your request online at saveestate.com.