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Security deposit · Illinois

30 days to itemize, 45 to refund in full.

By housr editorsStatute text checked 2026-10-05Legal review pending
A named legal reviewer hasn't signed this page yet. We read and quoted the statute ourselves on 2026-10-05. Until review, this page isn't indexed by search engines. This is information, not legal advice. See legal review.
The short answer765 ILCS 710/1
Deadline45 calendar days
Before it appliesItemized statement by day 30, or full refund by day 45
If kept in bad faithTwice the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, for a refusal or bad-faith statement

The rule

In Illinois, the clock starts when: you vacate (or possession ends, if later). The landlord then has 45 calendar days. The statute says:

“…within 30 days of the date that the lessee vacated the leased premises or within 30 days of the date the lessee's right of possession ends, whichever is later…”

No itemized statement with receipts by day 30 means the full deposit is due back within 45 days.

For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 25, 2026, the full refund (without an itemized statement) would be due Dec 9, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.

What the landlord has to send

An itemized statement of the damage and the estimated or actual cost of each item, with paid receipts (or receipts within 30 days if estimates were given).

“If no such statement and receipts, or copies thereof, are furnished to the lessee as required by this Section, the lessor shall return the security deposit in full within 45 days of the date that the lessee vacated the premises…”
765 ILCS 710/1(a)
“If the lessee fails to provide the lessor with a mailing address or electronic mail address, the lessor shall not be held liable for any damages or penalties as a result of the lessee's failure to provide an address.”
765 ILCS 710/1(a)

Do this

On move-out day

Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.

Deductions and wear and tear

Illinois's statute limits what can be kept to the purposes it lists. We haven't summarised its wear-and-tear language yet; read the section linked above.

For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.

If the deadline passes

Twice the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, for a refusal or bad-faith statement.

“…the lessor shall be liable for an amount equal to twice the amount of the security deposit due, together with court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.”
765 ILCS 710/1(c)

The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.

Illinois warnings

  • Give a mailing or e-mail address: without one, the landlord isn't liable for damages or penalties. 765 ILCS 710/1(a)

Your next steps

Sources

  1. 765 ILCS 710/1 · checked 2026-10-05

Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.