SPRINGFIELD – Significant flooding hit Cook County in the wake of historic storms last summer, leaving numerous properties with immense damage and leading President Joe Biden to approve a federal disaster declaration for the area. In response, State Senator Mike Porfirio championed a new law to address future flooding concerns by giving renters the right to receive critical information about a property’s flooding history before they sign their lease.

“Protecting our residents from the dangers of flooding starts with providing them with essential information,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This law safeguards our communities by requiring property owners to disclose flood risks, which will help tenants avoid hazardous living conditions and protect their wellbeing.”

Berwyn and Cicero received nearly nine inches of rain in a matter of hours from a storm on July 2 last summer, causing extensive damage to residential and commercial properties and requiring costly repairs. Illinois becomes the eighth state to require disclosure of flood risk to renters. Through the new law, potential tenants will be equipped with essential information about flood risks before renting property, fostering a fair and informed rental market.

Thanks to Porfirio, property owners will be required to disclose to every potential tenant if a property is located in a high-risk flooding area. Property owners who rent out lower-level units – such as garden, basement and first floor units – will also have to indicate to tenants if one of those units has flooded within the last 10 years. All disclosures need to be given in writing prior to signing the lease.

“This law is about transparency and safety,” said Porfirio. “By requiring property owners to provide written disclose of flood history and risk, we are empowering tenants to make informed decisions about where they live, ensuring they are aware of potential dangers before signing a lease.”

Senate Bill 2601 was signed into law on Friday. It goes into effect on Jan. 1.