Illinois Security Deposit Law
Illinois statewide law uses a 30-day itemized damage statement rule and a 45-day full-return rule if the required statement and receipts are not furnished. The main statewide return statute is 765 ILCS 710/1.
The short version
If a landlord keeps deposit money for property damage, Illinois generally requires a written itemized statement within 30 days after the later of the tenant vacating or the tenant's right of possession ending.
The statement should identify the alleged damage and the estimated or actual cost for each item, with paid receipts or copies. If the landlord does not furnish the required statement and receipts, the deposit generally must be returned in full within 45 days after the tenant vacated.
Older summaries may mention a five-or-more-unit limit. Current Illinois law should be read with Public Act 103-0224, which removed that old limitation from the Security Deposit Return Act.
What the landlord must send for damage deductions
A damage deduction should not be a vague lump sum. Illinois expects an itemized statement of alleged damage and the estimated or actual cost for each repair or replacement item.
Paid receipts or copies should be attached. If the landlord uses estimates, follow-up paid receipts or copies generally must be furnished within 30 days after the estimate statement.
If receipts cannot be produced through no fault of the landlord, Illinois allows substitute proof only if the landlord provides the statutory explanation and supporting evidence.
Deductions, normal wear, and lease charges
Illinois guidance recognizes that a deposit may be applied to unpaid rent, damage, and cleaning. For property-damage withholdings, the statewide Security Deposit Return Act focuses on the damage statement and receipt process.
Normal wear and tear should not be treated as tenant-caused damage. If a lease lists a cleaning, repair, or replacement charge, that charge still needs to be tied to damage beyond normal wear and tear and reasonable restoration to move-in condition.
Mailing address and verified email address
Give your landlord a current mailing address in writing. If you want deposit notices by email, provide a verified email address too.
Illinois law limits damages or penalties caused by the tenant's failure to provide a mailing address or electronic mail address, so the address record matters.
Interest and local rules
Illinois has a separate Security Deposit Interest Act. It mainly matters for landlords of residential property with 25 or more units in a single building or contiguous complex when the deposit is held more than six months.
Local ordinances may add stronger or different rules, especially in Chicago and some municipalities. This statewide guide does not replace local ordinance review.
Remedies
Illinois can support twice the amount of the security deposit due, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees where the statute's required findings are made. That remedy is not automatic.
The practical focus should be the timeline, the itemized statement, receipts, address proof, and the amount still owed.
Related Illinois guides
Official sources
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Use the free guide to understand the rule. Use the Illinois system if you want the deadline, address record, itemization, receipt issues, deduction dispute, and final demand organized in one sequence.
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