Cal. Civ. Code § 1.1
Definitions. As used in this Act: "Agreement" includes leases, oral agreements, and any other understandings or contracts reached between a landlord and a tenant. "Individually metered utilities" means that the utility service to one or more rental dwelling units in a building is registered by an individual meter for each dwelling unit. "Master metered utilities" means that the utility service to a building with one or more rental dwelling units is registered by a single meter for the building. "Landlord" includes the owner of a building, the owner's agent, and the lessor of a building. "Tenant" includes occupants of a building or mobile home, whether under a lease or periodic tenancy. "Utility company" includes all suppliers of utility service, including municipalities. "Utility service" includes electric, gas, water, or sanitary utility service rendered by a utility company to a tenant at a specific location
Operative Text
Definitions. As used in this Act: "Agreement" includes leases, oral agreements, and any other understandings or contracts reached between a landlord and a tenant. "Individually metered utilities" means that the utility service to one or more rental dwelling units in a building is registered by an individual meter for each dwelling unit. "Master metered utilities" means that the utility service to a building with one or more rental dwelling units is registered by a single meter for the building. "Landlord" includes the owner of a building, the owner's agent, and the lessor of a building. "Tenant" includes occupants of a building or mobile home, whether under a lease or periodic tenancy. "Utility company" includes all suppliers of utility service, including municipalities. "Utility service" includes electric, gas, water, or sanitary utility service rendered by a utility company to a tenant at a specific location.
Section 735 § 1.1 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the Act governing utility service in rental housing. It defines key terms such as "landlord," "tenant," "agreement," "utility service," "utility company," and the distinction between individually metered and master metered utilities. These definitions set the scope of who and what is covered by the Act's requirements, ensuring that the rules apply broadly to owners, agents, lessors, and occupants across various rental arrangements. The definitions also clarify that utility service encompasses electric, gas, water, and sanitary services provided by any supplier, including municipalities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners, agents, and lessors covered under 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 735 § 1.1 should be aware that the Act's definitions are intentionally broad, capturing a wide range of rental arrangements and utility configurations. Compliant operators generally understand whether their building operates under individual or master metering, as this distinction affects how utility-related obligations are applied throughout the rest of the Act. Recognizing that "agreement" encompasses oral understandings and informal contracts—not just written leases—helps operators account for all arrangements that may fall under the Act's scope.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 735 § 1.1, the term "tenant" is defined broadly to include occupants of buildings or mobile homes under either a lease or a periodic tenancy, meaning a wide range of living arrangements may qualify for the Act's protections. Tenants should be aware that the type of metering in their building—individual or master—can affect how utility-related rights and responsibilities are allocated under the Act. Those who believe their situation falls within these definitions and have concerns about utility service arrangements may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing the full Act for provisions that apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.