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Illinois security deposit demand letter
Also: Illinois security deposit return deadline (30 days)
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.
The rule in plain English
To withhold anything for property damage, the landlord must within 30 days after move-out (or end of the right of possession, whichever is later) deliver an itemized statement of damage with estimated or actual costs and paid receipts. If no such statement is furnished, the full deposit must be returned within 45 days after the tenant vacated.
Statute: 765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act)
Deadline calculator
Enter a move-out date.
Steps for tenants
Provide a mailing or e-mail address; local ordinances (e.g. Chicago) may add stricter rules.
Penalty & remedies
If a court finds the landlord refused to supply the statement or supplied it in bad faith and failed to return the deposit in time, the landlord is liable for twice the deposit due plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
What to put in your letter
What to put in your Illinois demand letter: your forwarding address, move-out date, deposit paid, amount returned, and a short list of disputed charges. Quote 765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act) and summarize the rule in your own words: To withhold anything for property damage, the landlord must within 30 days after move-out (or end of the right of posses… Ask for payment by a specific date and say you will consider small claims court if needed. Mention you are sending the letter certified mail.
Going further
Outside Chicago, state law still requires itemized damage statements within 30 days when anything is withheld. Chicago and a few cities add local rules; our page covers statewide law only—check your city if you rented there. If no itemized statement arrived, note the 45-day full-return rule in plain language using the facts above. Keep utility shutoff confirmations and proof you returned keys. Your letter should demand the exact balance, not emotional language about the landlord.
Read more about what to do if your landlord ignores your demand letter.
Sources
Last checked: October 20, 2026
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FAQ
How long does a Illinois landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days under 765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act). To withhold anything for property damage, the landlord must within 30 days after move-out (or end of the right of possession, whichever is later) deliver an itemized statement of damage with estimated or actual costs and paid receipts. If no such statement is furnished, the full deposit must be returned within 45 days after the tenant vacated.
What should Illinois tenants do before move-out?
Provide a mailing or e-mail address; local ordinances (e.g. Chicago) may add stricter rules.
Can DepositLetter cite other laws for me?
We only cite the verified statute and rule on this page—not extra penalties unless listed above.
How do I preselect this state in the tool?
Use the button below or visit the home page with your state in the dropdown.
Is this legal advice?
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.