MUNI-CRIME-FREE RENTAL HOUSING

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of a non-home rule municipality may adopt a crime-free rental housing ordinance for the purpose of reducing crime, including drugs and gang-related activities, in residential areas. Provides that the municipality's police department or other municipal employees may administer and enforce the ordinance. Provides that the ordinance may include, but is not limited to: (1) a requirement for a valid residential rental license; (2) a requirement that the owner submit to a public safety and crime prevention inspection and attend a training program or seminar concerning crime prevention; (3) a requirement for leases to include a provision or an addendum that prohibits a tenant, a tenant's family member, or a guest of the tenant from engaging in criminal activity on the property, including providing that the violation of this provision permits a landlord to initiate eviction proceeding; (4) a requirement to conduct background checks on prospective tenants or current tenants before renewing a lease; (5) a requirement to submit to periodic inspections of the rental property; and (6) penalties for violating the ordinance. Provides that the provisions of a crime-free rental housing ordinance may not be waived or modified in a lease or separate agreement. Provides that a crime-free rental housing ordinance does not apply to a facility licensed or inspected by the State or federal government, but that the ordinance does apply to mobile home parks. Effective immediately.