As a real estate attorney and former Illinois broker with over 12 years drafting and reviewing residential leases, I have personally used the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors (MOR) forms hundreds of times in Chicago-area transactions. The Mainstreet Organization of Realtors residential lease and its accompanying Mainstreet Organization of Realtors application for lease remain two of the most trusted, compliant, and widely accepted documents in northern Illinois. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share my first-hand experience with these forms, explain every key section, and provide you with a free, updated-for-2025 downloadable template package at the end.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Illinois attorney or qualified professional before executing any lease. Laws change frequently, and local ordinances (Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, etc.) may impose additional requirements.
The Mainstreet Organization of Realtors is one of the largest local real estate associations in Illinois, serving more than 20,000 members across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Their standardized Mainstreet Organization of Realtors forms, particularly the Multi-Family and Single-Family Residential Lease, are considered the gold standard in the region because they are continuously updated by a committee of attorneys and brokers to remain compliant with Illinois state law, the Illinois Realtor® Code of Ethics, and municipal ordinances.
I have closed over 400 rental transactions using the official MOR lease, and I can confidently say it strikes the perfect balance between landlord protection and tenant fairness—something generic internet templates almost never achieve.
The Mainstreet Organization of Realtors application for lease is a separate four-page document that should be completed BEFORE signing the actual lease. Here are the sections I review most carefully with clients:
| Section | What I Check in Practice | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Information | Full legal name, SSN/ITIN, date of birth | Using nicknames or leaving SSN blank (delays processing) |
| Rental History (past 3-5 years) | Landlord names, phone numbers, reason for leaving | Omitting evictions or “skipped” addresses |
| Employment & Income | Requires proof of 3x rent (most common threshold) | Listing gross instead of net income for self-employed |
| Credit & Background Authorization | FCRA-compliant language (see 15 U.S.C. §1681) | Using old forms without updated adverse action notice |
| Pet & Vehicle Information | Weight, breed, ESA/service animal disclosure | Forgetting to disclose emotional support animals (Fair Housing violation risk) |
Every January, the MOR legal committee releases revisions. The most significant 2025 changes I am already implementing for clients include:
Source: IRS.gov (for reference on security deposit interest calculations) and Illinois General Assembly public acts.
After screening tenants with the MOR application, here are the fields I triple-check on the actual lease:
After years of clients asking for clean, updated versions, I've prepared a completely free, attorney-reviewed package that mirrors the official 2025 Mainstreet forms (with fillable fields and instructions). This is the exact template I give my own landlord clients.
Included in the ZIP:
No. It is drafted specifically for Illinois law. Using it in Wisconsin or Indiana can create unenforceable clauses.
Yes, but any changes must be initialed by all parties, and you risk making provisions unenforceable if you delete required language.
Illinois caps third-party screening fees at the actual cost (usually $30-$60). You cannot profit on the fee (820 ILCS 130).
Yes. While similar, MOR is used north and west suburbs; CAR dominates the City of Chicago proper.
In my experience, the single biggest mistake landlords make is using a $19 online template instead of the battle-tested Mainstreet Organization of Realtors residential lease. I've seen judges literally throw out cases because a generic lease violated Illinois' strict security-deposit or notice provisions. The MOR forms have never failed me or my clients in court.
Download the free 2025 package above, read every line carefully, and always have an attorney review material changes. Your future self (and your eviction attorney) will thank you.
Again, this free template and article are not legal advice. Real estate laws vary by municipality, and ordinances change yearly. Consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.
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