✦ Free reference · No login · Verified against the official statute

Illinois security deposit law

How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit in Illinois, the deadline to return it after move-out, and the statute that controls — verified June 7, 2026.

Best-effort summary, verified June 7, 2026. Statutes change and often use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the linked statute or a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice.
Maximum deposit
No statutory limit under the Security Deposit Return Act
Return deadline
30 days to furnish itemized statement of damages if deductions are made
No statutory dollar cap. Illinois sets no statewide limit on the deposit amount — but local ordinances may, and the return deadline above still applies. Market practice is typically 1–2 months of rent.

Maximum security deposit in Illinois

No statutory limit under the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710); the Act governs return, not amount. (Some local ordinances, e.g. Chicago RLTO, add rules.). Applies to lessors of 5+ units. Bad-faith failure: up to 2x the deposit plus costs and attorney fees. Separate Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 715) covers 25+ unit buildings.

Returning the deposit

30 days to furnish itemized statement of damages if deductions are made; if statement not furnished, full deposit due within 45 days of vacating. Read 765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act) for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.

Compare with other states

See the full sortable table in our free security deposit limits by state tool, or jump to another state below.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Illinois?

No statutory limit under the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710); the Act governs return, not amount. (Some local ordinances, e.g. Chicago RLTO, add rules.). Applies to lessors of 5+ units. Bad-faith failure: up to 2x the deposit plus costs and attorney fees. Separate Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 715) covers 25+ unit buildings. This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act)) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.

When must a landlord return a security deposit in Illinois?

30 days to furnish itemized statement of damages if deductions are made; if statement not furnished, full deposit due within 45 days of vacating. See 765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act) for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.

What statute governs security deposits in Illinois?

765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act). The official text is published by the state at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2202&ChapterID=62.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.

Track every Illinois deposit automatically

Hatchkeep records each tenant's security deposit, ties it to the lease, and keeps your return deadlines and itemized deductions in one place. Free for 50 properties and unlimited units — no credit card.

Start free — 50 properties and unlimited units

Free plan · No credit card required · Cancel any time

Security deposit law in every state

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia

Free reference by Hatchkeep — property management software, free for 50 properties and unlimited units. Related tools: late fee calculator · rent receipt generator · move-in/move-out checklist