Security Deposit Laws in Illinois
Illinois sets no statewide deposit cap, requires an itemized damage statement within 30 days or full return within 45 days after move-out, requires interest only for buildings with 25 or more units, and has no statewide entry notice statute.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Illinois at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- No statewide limit
- State law sets no maximum deposit
- Deposit return deadline
- 45 days
- Itemized damage statement within 30 days; full return within 45 days if no statement is given
- Interest on deposits
- Required in some cases
- State law requires interest only in some situations, for example above a unit count or holding period
- Notice before landlord entry
- No statutory period
- No statute specifies notice
The rules in Illinois
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Illinois?
Illinois law sets no statewide limit on security deposits, so the amount is set by the lease. Check for local rules where you rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
Illinois rule: Itemized damage statement within 30 days; full return within 45 days if no statement is given.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Illinois?
Only in some cases. Illinois law requires interest only in certain situations, for example above a number of units or after the deposit is held for a set time. Check the statute for the details.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Illinois?
Illinois has no statute that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease usually governs. Giving reasonable advance notice is common practice.
Where do the Illinois rules for residential leases come from?
They come from 765 ILCS 710/1 Security Deposit Return Act and 765 ILCS 715/1 Security Deposit Interest Act. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Illinois compares
Illinois is one of 21 jurisdictions with no statewide cap. Its 45-day return deadline is longer than the most common deadline of 30 days; 39 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.