Make the letter part of the record
An Illinois security deposit demand letter should state your rental address, move-out date, possession-end date if different, deposit amount, current mailing address, what is missing, and what the landlord must do next.
It should also explain whether the issue is a missing deposit, missing itemized damage statement, missing receipts, missing estimate follow-up, unsupported deductions, or unpaid interest for a qualifying property. A strong letter is specific enough that, if the dispute keeps going, the record already shows what you asked for and why.
What the letter should include
- Landlord name and contact information
- Rental address
- Security deposit amount
- Date you vacated the rental
- Date your right of possession ended, if different
- Current mailing address
- Verified email address, if you want email delivery
- What the landlord sent or failed to send
- Any itemized damage statement, receipts, estimates, follow-up receipts, or substitute proof
- Why deductions are disputed, if deductions were claimed
- The amount or accounting being demanded
Sample Illinois security deposit demand letter
[Tenant Name]
[Current Mailing Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email] | [Phone]
[Date][Landlord Name]
[Landlord Address]
[City, State, ZIP]Re: Illinois Security Deposit Demand - [Rental Address]
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing about the security deposit for [Full Rental Address]. I vacated the rental on [Vacating Date]. My right of possession ended on [Possession-End Date, if different]. The security deposit paid was [Deposit Amount].
Please use this mailing address for the security deposit, any itemized statement, receipts, follow-up receipts, refund balance, and related correspondence:
[Current Mailing Address]
[City, State, ZIP]If you are using email for deposit communications, my verified email address is [Verified Email Address].
Under 765 ILCS 710/1, if deposit money is withheld for property damage, Illinois generally requires an itemized statement of alleged damage within 30 days after the later of the tenant vacating or the tenant's right of possession ending. The statement should include the estimated or actual cost for each item and paid receipts or copies. If estimates were used, follow-up paid receipts or copies are also required within the statutory period.
I have not received [describe what is missing: the return of my deposit, a complete itemized damage statement, required receipts or copies, required follow-up receipts, or the refund balance owed]. Please return the amount due or provide a complete written response with all required support.
If you claim deductions, please identify the specific damage beyond normal wear and tear, the cost for each item, and the receipts, copies, lease section, or statutory substitute proof supporting the charge.
I am requesting return of [Amount Demanded] within 7 days of receipt of this letter, or a complete written explanation with the refund balance owed.
I am preserving all rights available under Illinois law, including remedies available under 765 ILCS 710/1 where the statute applies and the facts support them.
Sincerely,
[Tenant Name]
Related Illinois guides
- Illinois security deposit deadline
- Illinois security deposit deductions
- Illinois security deposit evidence guide
- Illinois small claims basics
One demand letter is part of the sequence, not the whole process. The cleaner path is to document move-out and address delivery, track the 30-day and 45-day issues, challenge unsupported deductions with the right proof, and use a final demand only if the landlord still will not resolve it.
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Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.