An offender may be charged with theft of rental property when the value exceeds _____ including tools, construction equipment, and party rental items.

The correct answer is based on the legal definition of theft in the context of rental property in Illinois. According to Illinois law, theft of rental property becomes a criminal offense when the value of the property stolen exceeds a specific dollar threshold. For tools, construction equipment, and party rental items, this threshold is set at $500.

When rental property with a value greater than this amount is stolen, the act qualifies as a felony theft charge, which carries more severe penalties than misdemeanor theft, where the value might fall below this threshold. This is an essential aspect of understanding how property classifications and values relate to theft charges in the legal system.

The other options suggest lower thresholds that do not align with the statutory definitions applicable to theft of rental property in Illinois. This legal framework is significant for students preparing for security contractor practice tests, as it emphasizes the importance of knowing the specific value limits set forth by state law.