Illinois Deposit return deadline
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
To withhold for damage: send an itemized statement with costs within 30 days after the tenant vacates (paid receipts within 30 days if estimates were used). With no statement, return the full deposit within 45 days of move-out. Bad faith can cost twice the deposit.
Verified Source: 765 ILCS 710/1 · last checked 2026-10-15
How this works in Illinois
To withhold an Illinois deposit for damage, you must send an itemized statement with costs within 30 days after the tenant vacates. If you used estimates, paid receipts are due within 30 days. If you send no statement, return the full deposit within 45 days of move-out, delivered in person or by postmarked mail directed to the last known address of the tenant or another address the tenant provided. Bad faith can cost twice the deposit.
Worked example for Illinois
Example: A tenant vacates on April 30, 2026. If you withhold for damage, the itemized statement with costs is due within 30 days, by May 30, 2026. If that statement used estimates, paid receipts are due within 30 days. If you send no statement, the full deposit is due within 45 days of move-out, by June 14, 2026, delivered in person or by postmarked mail directed to the last known address of the tenant or another address the tenant provided. Bad faith can cost twice the deposit.
Illinois timelines and limits
| Itemized statement to withhold for damage | Within 30 days after the tenant vacates, with costs |
|---|---|
| If estimates were used | Paid receipts within 30 days |
| If no statement is sent | Return the full deposit within 45 days of move-out, in person or by postmarked mail to the last known address or another address the tenant provided |
| Bad faith | Can cost twice the deposit |
Illinois FAQ
How long does an Illinois landlord have to send an itemized statement to withhold for damage?
Within 30 days after the tenant vacates, with costs, under 765 ILCS 710/1. If estimates were used, paid receipts are due within 30 days.
What if I send no statement?
Return the full deposit within 45 days of move-out, delivered in person or by postmarked mail directed to the last known address of the tenant or another address the tenant provided.
What is the penalty for bad faith?
Bad faith can cost twice the deposit.
Sources for this section: 765 ILCS 710/1 (checked 2026-10-15)
Same topic in neighboring states
All Illinois landlord-tenant law · Illinois landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist
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