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Illinois Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 30 days to send the itemized statement; 45 days to return the deposit if no statement is sent. Chicago has its own ordinance with additional rules. |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | No cap |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | 2x the deposit, plus costs and fees |
| Statute | 765 ILCS 710/1 |
Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance adds its own deposit rules, including interest. Check it if your rental is in Chicago.
Illinois deadline calculator
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
DepositDay walks you through the move-in and move-out inspection with timestamped photos, counts down your Illinois deadline from move-out day, and writes the itemized deduction letter.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
Under 765 ILCS 710/1, a Illinois landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Details: 30 days to send the itemized statement; 45 days to return the deposit if no statement is sent. Chicago has its own ordinance with additional rules.
What is the maximum security deposit in Illinois?
Illinois law sets no maximum security deposit.
What happens if a Illinois landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Illinois: 2x the deposit, plus costs and fees. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of 765 ILCS 710/1, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.