Illinois · Security Deposit Law
Illinois Security Deposit Law: 30 days (45 days if deductions are itemized) Return Rule
Illinois security deposit law (765 ILCS 710/1) gives landlords 30 days after you vacate to return your deposit or provide a written itemized list of deductions. If deductions are claimed, the remaining balance must follow within 45 days. Chicago tenants have additional protections under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO § 5-12-080), including mandatory annual interest on deposits held for over 6 months.
Key fact: Illinois landlords have 30 days to return deposits or itemize deductions, Chicago tenants also earn annual interest on deposits under the RLTO.
Return deadline
30 days (45 days if deductions are itemized)
Statute
765 ILCS 710/1 (Chicago: RLTO § 5-12-080)
Small claims limit
$10,000
Illinois Security Deposit Penalty
Penalty: Deposit + interest + damages + attorney fees
Under 765 ILCS 710/1, the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days or provide an itemized statement within 30 days and the remaining balance within 45 days. Willful non-compliance entitles you to the deposit plus damages and attorney's fees. In Chicago, the RLTO also requires annual interest on deposits.
Start Your Illinois Security Deposit Demand Letter
Auto-filled with 765 ILCS 710/1 (Chicago: RLTO § 5-12-080), the 30 days (45 days if deductions are itemized) deadline, and the penalty clause. Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF download.
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Illinois Security Deposit FAQs
How long does my Illinois landlord have to return my security deposit?▾
30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. If deductions are itemized, the remaining balance must be paid within 45 days. 765 ILCS 710/1. Chicago landlords are also governed by the RLTO, which has its own detailed requirements.
What is the penalty if my Illinois landlord doesn't return my deposit?▾
Willful failure to comply with 765 ILCS 710/1 entitles you to the deposit amount plus damages and reasonable attorney's fees. Chicago's RLTO § 5-12-080 allows recovery of twice the security deposit plus attorney fees for non-compliance.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter?▾
No for statewide cases; for Chicago RLTO violations, a tenant rights attorney can often recover more. Many tenants resolve disputes with a demand letter alone.
Does a demand letter actually work to get my deposit back?▾
Yes. Citing 765 ILCS 710/1 (and RLTO § 5-12-080 for Chicago) in a formal letter demonstrates statutory knowledge and routinely produces results before small claims court.
Security deposit laws by state
Deadlines and statutes change. Always verify with your local court or legal aid before acting. kweldoc is a document drafting tool, not a law firm.