Security deposit rules in Illinois
The deadline for the itemized statement, what can be deducted, and the documents to keep — with links to the statute.
Itemized statement due within
30 days
Furnish the itemized statement of damages within 30 days after the tenant vacates (or the tenant's right of possession ends, if later), with paid receipts or copies; return the deposit or the remaining balance within 45 days after the tenant vacates (765 ILCS 710/1).
If it's missed: A landlord who fails to provide the itemized statement or return the deposit as required, or does so in bad faith, can owe twice the amount of the deposit plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees (765 ILCS 710; per published analyses of the 2024 amendment).
What the statement must cover
- List each item of damage and the estimated or actual cost of repairing or replacing it.
- Deliver the statement in person, by mail to the tenant's last known address, or by e-mail to an address the tenant provided.
- Return the deposit or remaining balance within 45 days after the tenant vacates.
- Do not deduct for normal wear and tear.
Receipts and documentation
- Attach paid receipts, or copies, for each repair or replacement on the itemized statement.
- If you give an estimated cost because the work is not done, furnish the paid receipts within 30 days after the statement.
- If you do the repair yourself, the reasonable cost of your own labor may be included — describe it.
Gray areas to review carefully
Local ordinances (e.g. Chicago RLTO)
Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and some suburban ordinances set different deadlines, interest rules and penalties. Verify local law for properties there.
Paid receipts must accompany the statement
The Act ties the right to withhold for damage to an itemized statement with paid receipts (or copies), or estimates followed by receipts within 30 days. Link a receipt to every repair line.
Normal wear and tear vs. damage
Only damage beyond normal wear and tear is deductible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
Furnish the itemized statement of damages within 30 days after the tenant vacates (or the tenant's right of possession ends, if later), with paid receipts or copies; return the deposit or the remaining balance within 45 days after the tenant vacates (765 ILCS 710/1). Source: 765 ILCS 710/1 (checked October 2026 (secondary sources; see note)). This is a general rule — verify your specific situation and any local ordinances.
Is an itemized statement required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires a written itemized list of deductions. List each item of damage and the estimated or actual cost of repairing or replacing it.
Can a landlord deduct for "normal wear and tear" in Illinois?
Generally no. Deductions are for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear — such as stains, burns, large holes, or breakage — not for the normal aging of a unit. Compare move-in and move-out photos for each item, and check 765 ILCS 710/1 for the exact rule.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline in Illinois?
A landlord who fails to provide the itemized statement or return the deposit as required, or does so in bad faith, can owe twice the amount of the deposit plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees (765 ILCS 710; per published analyses of the 2024 amendment). This is a summary of the statute, not legal advice.
Does MoveOutGuard support Illinois?
Yes. Pick Illinois when you open a packet: the deadline estimate (30 days to itemize, 45 days to return), the itemization checklist and the statute reference (765 ILCS 710/1) come with it. You upload photos and receipts, review every line, and export the packet.
Build your Illinois statement packet
Upload photos and receipts, draft and review each deduction, and track the Illinois deadline — free. $29 unlocks the itemized statement and PDF for that packet.
MoveOutGuard is a document preparation and evidence organization tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Drafts, checklists, and deadline estimates require your review and are not a guarantee of compliance or outcomes. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.