Getting Your Security Deposit Back in Illinois
My landlord won't return my deposit — here's what Illinois law says and what to do next.
Statute: 765 ILCS 710/1
Deadline: 30 days
Penalty: Landlord may be liable for twice the deposit amount plus attorney fees for willful failure to comply
What is getting your security deposit back?
When you move out, your landlord must return your security deposit within a specific timeframe set by your state's law. They can only deduct for legitimate reasons: unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs specifically allowed by your lease.
Your landlord cannot keep your deposit for normal wear (scuffed floors, faded paint, minor nail holes). Most states require landlords to provide an itemized list of any deductions.
What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit
Step 1: Before moving out, take photos and video of every room. Date-stamp them. This documents the condition of the unit.
Step 2: Do a walkthrough with your landlord if possible. Get them to sign off on the condition of the unit, or note any disputes in writing.
Step 3: Provide your forwarding address in writing so the landlord knows where to send the deposit.
Step 4: If your landlord doesn't return the deposit within your state's deadline, send a demand letter via certified mail requesting the return.
Step 5: If they still won't return it, file in small claims court. Many states allow you to recover 2-3x the deposit amount as a penalty for wrongful withholding.
How Illinois differs from federal law
Illinois has moderate deposit protections with stronger rules in Chicago:
- No statewide cap: Illinois does not set a maximum security deposit amount (except Chicago and some municipalities).
- Return deadline: 30 days for unfurnished; 45 days for furnished (765 ILCS 710/1).
- Itemized statement required: Landlords must provide an itemized statement of damages and receipts within 30 days.
- Chicago RLTO: In Chicago, landlords must hold deposits in a federally insured interest-bearing account, provide receipts, pay annual interest, and cannot charge more than 1.5 months' rent. Violations allow the tenant to recover 2x the deposit plus attorney fees.
Additional steps in Illinois
Send a demand letter via certified mail. In Chicago, tenants can recover 2x the deposit for RLTO violations. File in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000). Contact the Metropolitan Tenants Organization at (773) 292-4988.
What you should NOT do
Don't leave without documenting. Without move-out photos, it's your word against the landlord's about the unit's condition.
Don't skip the demand letter. Courts want to see that you tried to resolve it before suing. A certified letter creates a paper trail.
Don't wait too long. Most states have a statute of limitations (2-6 years) for security deposit claims. File promptly.
Don't accept a partial return without reserving your rights. If you cash a partial refund check, note in writing that you're still disputing the deductions.
You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to assert your rights.
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Generate your security deposit →This page is general legal information for Illinois, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.