Illinois Security Deposit Statute Guide

765 ILCS 710/1 in plain English

If a landlord keeps deposit money for property damage, the landlord generally must send an itemized statement within 30 days after the later of the tenant moving out or the tenant's right of possession ending.

The statement should list the alleged damage and the estimated or actual cost for each item. Paid receipts or copies should be attached unless a statutory substitute applies.

If the required statement and receipts are not furnished, Illinois generally requires the landlord to return the security deposit in full within 45 days after the tenant vacated.

Receipts, estimates, and substitute proof

If the landlord uses an estimated cost, Illinois requires follow-up paid receipts or copies within 30 days after the estimated-cost statement was furnished.

If receipts cannot be produced through no fault of the landlord, the landlord must provide an itemized cost list, other evidence, and a verified statement explaining why receipts cannot be produced.

Lease-specified cleaning, repair, or replacement costs

If a written lease specifies a cost for cleaning, repair, or replacement, the landlord still needs to tie the charge to damage beyond normal wear and tear and reasonable restoration to the unit's move-in condition.

The itemized statement should reference the lease amount and include the relevant lease section.

Remedies under 765 ILCS 710/1

If a court finds that the landlord refused to supply the required itemized statement or supplied it in bad faith, and also failed or refused to return the amount due within the statutory time limits, Illinois can support twice the amount due, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.

That is a strong remedy, but it is conditional. Public copy and demand letters should not call it automatic.

Other Illinois statutes that may matter

765 ILCS 715 covers security-deposit interest for qualifying properties, mainly 25 or more units in a single building or contiguous complex when the deposit is held more than six months.

765 ILCS 710/1.1 and 765 ILCS 710/1.2 can matter if the property was sold, transferred, foreclosed, or management changed. Those issues can be fact-specific.

Related Illinois guides

• Illinois security deposit deadline
• Deposit not returned in Illinois
• Illinois move-out checklist
• Illinois security deposit demand letter

Official sources

Source reviewed: April 2026.

• 765 ILCS 710 - Security Deposit Return Act
• Illinois Public Act 103-0224
• 765 ILCS 715 - Security Deposit Interest Act
• IDFPR - Interest Rates Affecting the Security Deposit Interest Act

Court and self-help resources

• Illinois Courts - Small Claims Complaint forms
• Illinois Courts - Circuit Court Standardized Forms
• Illinois Legal Aid Online - Small claims complaint Easy Form

These resources help with forms and self-help information. Confirm current local filing, service, fee, and venue instructions with the court before filing.