Illinois · IL · updated 2026
In Illinois, a landlord must return a security deposit within 45 calendar days
Quick answer
A Illinois landlord has 45 calendar days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Illinois security deposit law, a Illinois landlord has 45 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when you move out. By statute, Illinois sets no statutory cap on how much a landlord can charge. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 45 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- you move out
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Not required by statute
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory cap
- Interest on deposit
- Not required
Calculate your exact Illinois deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Illinois landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Illinois requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Landlord who refuses to furnish the itemized statement, supplies it in bad faith, or fails to timely return the deposit is liable for twice the security deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees (765 ILCS 710/1(b)).
How to get your deposit back in Illinois
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Illinois deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Illinois requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
- In Illinois, a landlord must return a security deposit within 45 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Illinois?
- Illinois statute sets no maximum on the security deposit a landlord can charge.
- Can my Illinois landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Illinois requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Illinois landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- No. Illinois does not require the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Illinois landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Landlord who refuses to furnish the itemized statement, supplies it in bad faith, or fails to timely return the deposit is liable for twice the security deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees (765 ILCS 710/1(b)).
710/1 applies only to landlords with 5+ units (unit-count threshold, not local variation). Itemized statement due 30 days after vacating; else full deposit due in 45 days. Interest (715/1) only for 25+ unit buildings, held 6+ months. Chicago RLTO adds stricter city rules.