All states

Illinois security deposit rules

45 days
to return your deposit or send an itemized list
2x the deposit for refusal or bad faith
possible penalty if they don't follow the rules

Applies to buildings with 5+ units: 30 days to send an itemized list with receipts if deducting, 45 days to refund. Chicago has its own stricter ordinance.

What to do to get your deposit back

  1. Photograph every room when you move out (walls, floors, appliances, inside cabinets). Keep your move-in photos too.
  2. Send your forwarding address in writing, with the date.
  3. Mark the deadline: 45 days after you move out.
  4. If it's late or the deductions look wrong, send a written demand letter that cites 765 ILCS 710.
  5. Still nothing? Small claims court is built for this, and you usually don't need a lawyer.
Let Stoop handle it.

Text Stoop your move-out date. It tracks your Illinois deadline, saves your photos, and writes the demand letter if your landlord is late. Free, no app.

Text Stoop or text (855) 254-5250

Law: 765 ILCS 710. Updated November 2026. General information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the current statute or a local tenant organization for your situation.