General Info

How long do landlords have to return a security deposit in Illinois?

How long do landlords have to return a security deposit in Illinois?

In Chicago, the landlord must return the security deposit within 45 days after the tenant moves out unless it is an owner-occupied building with 6 units or less. If the tenant moved out because of a fire, the landlord must return the security deposit within 7 days. The law in most of the rest of Illinois is as follows.

When does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, for properties with five or more units, a landlord must return the tenant’s security deposit within 30 to 45 days after the tenant moves out—depending on whether the tenant disputes deductions taken out of the security deposit or if an itemized statement and receipts are provided by the landlord.

What to do if your landlord does not return your security deposit?

If a landlord does not return the entire amount of the tenant’s security deposit within the 21 days required by law, and the tenant disputes the deductions from the deposit: The tenant can write a letter to the landlord explaining why he or she believes he or she is entitled to a larger refund.

What is the security deposit law in Evanston IL?

Evanston security deposit law is similar to the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act except that it applies to nearly all apartments and also sets a very short 21 day deadline for return of deposit and itemized list. Evanston does not have a paid receipts requirement.

When to have a security deposit dispute in Illinois?

When a tenant has a security deposit dispute in a building of less than 5 units, the first place to look is local law. In Illinois many cities have what we call home rule power – basically the right to run their own affairs so long as they are not expressly prohibited by the state legislature.

Under Illinois law, for properties with five or more units, a landlord must return the tenant’s security deposit within 30 to 45 days after the tenant moves out—depending on whether the tenant disputes deductions taken out of the security deposit or if an itemized statement and receipts are provided by the landlord.

Can a landlord keep a tenant’s security deposit?

Landlords can keep all or a portion of a tenant’s deposit to cover certain expenses: Landlords who own five or more units have two options for returning a tenant’s security deposit under Illinois law. The landlord has 30 days from the date a tenant moves out to return the deposit if deductions are being taken from the deposit.

Evanston security deposit law is similar to the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act except that it applies to nearly all apartments and also sets a very short 21 day deadline for return of deposit and itemized list. Evanston does not have a paid receipts requirement.

Is there a limit on security deposits in Illinois?

In Illinois, there’s no statutory limit on security deposits at the state level, but check your city and county laws to see if your municipality has set a cap on security deposits for residential rentals. To learn more about steps that tenants can take…

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