Illinois Deposit Return Deadline
30 days (45 in Chicago)Under Illinois law, an landlord generally has 30 days (45 in Chicago) after move-out to act on your security deposit — 30 days statewide; units covered by Chicago's RLTO follow its 45-day rule. The FAQ below covers the details.
Educational information: generated from our Illinois law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Illinois compares
51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Illinois compares with other states in our database.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
- Generally 30 days (45 in Chicago) after move-out. Interest required for units in buildings with 25+ units statewide. Chicago RLTO: max 1.5 months, 5% interest, 45-day return. Must provide itemized statement of deductions.
- Can an Illinois landlord keep my deposit for damages?
- Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
- What if my Illinois landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
- Missing the statutory deadline (30 days (45 in Chicago)) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. Interest required for units in buildings with 25+ units statewide. Chicago RLTO: max 1.5 months, 5% interest, 45-day return. Must provide itemized statement of deductions.
Check Your Lease Against Illinois Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Illinois law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
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More Illinois lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Illinois for your specific situation.