Illinois Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act) — Security Deposit Return Act
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after date tenant vacates or date landlord receives notice of forwarding address, whichever is later.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to up to twice the deposit amount under 765 ILCS 710/1.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $10,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord with 5+ units must provide itemized statement of damages
- Receipts or estimates must accompany the itemized statement
- Chicago has additional protections under the RLTO
What Your Illinois Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Illinois's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act) cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
up to twice the deposit amount — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Illinois Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Illinois?
Under 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act), your landlord has 30 calendar days after date tenant vacates or date landlord receives notice of forwarding address, whichever is later to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Illinois landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to up to twice the deposit amount under 765 ILCS 710/1. You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Illinois?
Under 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act), the maximum security deposit in Illinois is no statutory limit.
Does my Illinois landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Illinois law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois small claims court handles cases up to $10,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Illinois?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Illinois-specific demand letter citing 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act) so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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