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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Chicago?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days to itemize, 45 to return
Return deposit and interest within 45 days after move-out (7 days after a fire-related termination)
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
Return the security deposit (or balance) with required interest within 45 days after the tenant vacates, less unpaid rent and documented damage beyond reasonable wear and tear. If the tenant terminates after a fire under 5-12-110(g), the deadline is 7 days.
"The landlord shall, within 45 days after the date that the tenant vacates the dwelling unit or within seven days after the date that the tenant provides notice of termination of the rental agreement pursuant to Section 5-12-110(g)," codelibrary.amlegal.com
"return to the tenant the security deposit or any balance thereof and the required interest thereon;" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Itemized damage statement with receipts within 30 days after move-out Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
To deduct for damage, deliver or mail an itemized statement of damage and repair costs, with copies of paid receipts, within 30 days after the tenant vacates (send receipts within another 30 days if you gave estimates).
Applies to: any number of units, some owner-occupied buildings exempt, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Chicago, IL · Topic: Security deposit return
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"In case of such damage, the landlord shall deliver or mail to the last known address of the tenant within 30 days an itemized statement of the damages allegedly caused to the premises and the estimated or actual cost for repairing or replacing each item on that statement, attaching copies of the paid receipts" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-080(d)(2).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Return deposit and interest within 45 days after move-out (7 days after a fire-related termination) Verified
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
Return the security deposit (or balance) with required interest within 45 days after the tenant vacates, less unpaid rent and documented damage beyond reasonable wear and tear. If the tenant terminates after a fire under 5-12-110(g), the deadline is 7 days.
Applies to: any number of units, some owner-occupied buildings exempt, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Chicago, IL · Topic: Security deposit return
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"The landlord shall, within 45 days after the date that the tenant vacates the dwelling unit or within seven days after the date that the tenant provides notice of termination of the rental agreement pursuant to Section 5-12-110(g)," codelibrary.amlegal.com
"return to the tenant the security deposit or any balance thereof and the required interest thereon;" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-080(d). Successor landlords must notify tenants within 14 days of a transfer (5-12-080(e)).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction