And just like that, 2025 is behind us. With the start of 2026, Chicago condominium associations have an opportunity to reset, refocus, and set the tone for the year ahead. Whether you serve as a volunteer board member, a community association manager, or an industry professional, one thing is certain: your time and energy are valuable and limited.

As we head into 2026, thanks to the help of Keough & Moody's recent article, here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help boards govern more effectively, stay compliant with Illinois law, and protect their communities.

• DO Think Community First: Board decisions should serve the entire association—not just the most vocal owners. Before acting, ask whether the issue is required by your governing documents or Illinois law and whether it benefits the community as a whole.
• DON’T Skip Planning: Routine maintenance, capital projects, and compliance don’t happen by accident. Use reserve studies, annual calendars, and your professional team to plan ahead and avoid last-minute scrambling.
• DO Follow the Rules: “Doing things the way they’ve always been done” is no longer enough. Boards should ensure their actions align with governing documents and current Illinois law—and update outdated rules when needed.
• DON’T Be Penny-Wise: Short-term savings often lead to long-term costs. Whether it’s deferring major repairs or skipping professional contract review, cheaper today can mean far more expensive tomorrow.
• DO Communicate Proactively: Regular updates and clear explanations help prevent misinformation and frustration. Don’t rely on one-off emails—control the narrative by sharing information consistently with all owners.
• DON’T Waste Energy: Arguing Not every disagreement needs to be won. Once a clear answer is given, it’s okay to move on. Save your time and energy for issues that truly impact the association.
• DO Educate Owners: Many owners don’t fully understand assessments, rules, or how associations function. Ongoing education—especially around budgets and special assessments—builds trust and cooperation.

2026 planning starts now.

From budgeting to collection support, Haus Financial Services helps Chicago condo boards make informed financial decisions. Partner with HausFS and move into 2026 with confidence.

Learn more today at hausfs.com

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.