How long does a landlord in Illinois have to return your deposit?
Illinois landlords who want to keep any of your deposit for damage have 30 days after you move out to send an itemized list, with receipts or estimates. Without one, they have to return all of it within 45 days.
Choose your state to see your landlord’s deadline.
’s deadline
If you haven’t had your deposit back, or a list of what was kept, ask for it in writing and keep a copy.
No set number of days
Source: , checked October 14, 2026. Some cities and counties add rules of their own.
Write a letter asking for it, citing your state’s law.
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Other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- 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
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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Questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?
Illinois landlords who want to keep any of your deposit for damage have 30 days after you move out to send an itemized list, with receipts or estimates. Without one, they have to return all of it within 45 days.
What if my landlord in Illinois misses the deadline?
Ask for your deposit in writing, mention the law (765 ILCS 710/1), and keep a copy. In many states a landlord who misses the deadline loses the right to keep any of it, and some owe a penalty on top. Illinois’s law says what applies there; a local legal aid office can help if you’re stuck.
Do I need to give my landlord a forwarding address in Illinois?
It’s a good idea. Give it in writing when you move out: it’s where your deposit and any list of deductions get mailed.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and your lease, city or county can add rules of their own. For advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer or a local legal aid office.