Illinois
Security deposit laws in Illinois
The Illinois-specific deadline, what you can deduct, and how to write a compliant itemized statement — with statutory citations.
Return deadline
30 days
Generally within 30 days of the tenant moving out and providing a forwarding address (statewide, for buildings with 5 or more units under the Return Act). The itemization requirement applies to buildings with 5+ units under 765 ILCS 715.
Source: 765 ILCS 710/1; 765 ILCS 715/1
What landlords can deduct
- Itemized statement must list each deduction with a description and amount.
- Attach receipt copies (itemization statute applies to 5+ unit buildings).
- Refund the balance within 30 days.
- Do not deduct for normal wear and tear.
Receipts & documentation
- Provide a written itemized list of all deductions within 30 days.
- Attach copies of receipts or invoices for repairs and cleaning (itemization statute).
- If estimates are used because work is incomplete, mark them as estimates and follow up.
Gray areas to review carefully
Local ordinances (e.g. Chicago RLTO)
Chicago's Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) and other local laws add deposit limits, deadlines, and penalties. Verify local law for properties in those jurisdictions.
5+ unit building threshold
The statewide Return Act (765 ILCS 710) applies to buildings with 5 or more units. Single-family and small multi-family may be subject to lease terms instead.
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?
Generally 30 days. Generally within 30 days of the tenant moving out and providing a forwarding address (statewide, for buildings with 5 or more units under the Return Act). The itemization requirement applies to buildings with 5+ units under 765 ILCS 715. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1; 765 ILCS 715/1. 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. Itemized statement must list each deduction with a description and amount.
Can a landlord deduct for "normal wear and tear" in Illinois?
No. Every US state (including Illinois) excludes normal wear and tear from deductibility. Only damage beyond ordinary wear — such as stains, burns, large holes, or breakage — is typically deductible. Compare move-in and move-out photos for each item.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline in Illinois?
Missing the deadline can forfeit the right to withhold any portion of the deposit. Illinois's statute (765 ILCS 710/1; 765 ILCS 715/1) is generally strictly applied.
Does MoveOutGuard support Illinois?
Yes — MoveOutGuard generates a Illinois-specific deduction letter using the deadline (30 days) and citation (765 ILCS 710/1; 765 ILCS 715/1) above. Upload your receipts and move-out photos and the AI drafts an itemized letter for human review.
Draft your Illinois letter in minutes
Upload receipts and photos. Get a Illinois-specific itemized deduction letter for human review.
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.