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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days to itemize, 45 to return
Return the full deposit within 45 days of move-out if no damage statement was sent
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
If you do not send the itemized statement and receipts in time, return the full security deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates, in person or by postmarked mail to the last known (or provided) address.
"the lessor shall return the security deposit in full within 45 days of the date that the lessee vacated the premises," ilga.gov
Itemized damage statement with receipts within 30 days after move-out (to keep any deposit for damage) Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
To withhold any part of a deposit for damage, deliver an itemized statement of the damage and repair costs, with paid receipts (or estimates, then receipts within 30 more days), within 30 days after the tenant vacates or their right of possession ends, whichever is later.
"may not withhold any part of that deposit as reimbursement for property damage unless the lessor has, within 30 days of the date that the lessee vacated the leased premises or within 30 days of the date the lessee's right of possession ends, whichever is later," ilga.gov
"an itemized statement of the damage allegedly caused to the leased premises and the estimated or actual cost for repairing or replacing each item on that statement, attaching the paid receipts," ilga.gov
Notes: 765 ILCS 710/1(a) (as amended by P.A. 103-224, eff. 1-1-24). Bad-faith failure: liability of twice the deposit plus costs and attorney's fees (§1(c)). The current text has no minimum unit count. Chicago's RLTO adds its own rules.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Return the full deposit within 45 days of move-out if no damage statement was sent Verified
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
If you do not send the itemized statement and receipts in time, return the full security deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates, in person or by postmarked mail to the last known (or provided) address.