Illinois Security Deposit Law in 2026 — What Renters Need to Know
Illinois requires landlords to attach paid receipts to deposit deductions, not just a list. Bad-faith withholding triggers 2× damages under 765 ILCS 710.
The basics: 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act); Chicago RLTO layers on top in Chicago
- Maximum deposit
- State: none. Chicago (RLTO): 1 month's rent. Varies by municipality.
- Return window
- 30 days to furnish itemized damage statement + paid receipts; 45 days total to return if no itemization is provided
- Itemization required
- Required within 30 days WITH actual paid receipts (or copies) attached — Illinois is one of the few states that mandates the receipts, not just the list.
- Move-in documentation
- No state requirement. Chicago RLTO requires the landlord to hold deposits in a federally-insured, interest-bearing account, pay accrued interest annually, and issue a receipt naming the bank.
The catch: enforcement quirk worth knowing
Bad-faith withholding triggers 2× the deposit due plus court costs and attorney's fees. In Chicago specifically, failure to pay the annual interest or issue the bank receipt can independently trigger the 2× penalty even if the deposit is later returned.
What you can do as a renter
- Photograph everything on move-in day. Date-stamped phone photos are admissible evidence in every state.
- Document the same areas at move-out. Same angles. Same lighting if possible.
- Keep records for 60+ days post-vacate. Most state-statute return windows close in 14–60 days; the small-claims clock runs after that.
FAQ
How long does my Illinois landlord have to return my deposit?
Per 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act); Chicago RLTO layers on top in Chicago: 30 days to furnish itemized damage statement + paid receipts; 45 days total to return if no itemization is provided, with the required itemization.
What is the maximum deposit a Illinois landlord can charge?
Per 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act); Chicago RLTO layers on top in Chicago: State: none. Chicago (RLTO): 1 month's rent. Varies by municipality..
What is the penalty if my Illinois landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
Bad-faith withholding triggers 2× the deposit due plus court costs and attorney's fees. In Chicago specifically, failure to pay the annual interest or issue the bank receipt can independently trigger the 2× penalty even if the deposit is later returned.
Watchlist: CA mandates this as of 2025. WA and GA already require landlord-side documentation. Illinois renters: until your state follows, the bar is on you.