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Chicago, IL · Security deposit

Chicago security deposit

Security-deposit caps, itemization, and return deadlines for a Chicago rental live mainly in Illinois law (Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes). Photograph the unit, return keys the way the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is the Chicago layer. The City has also proposed updates — treat only what the Department of Housing currently publishes as in force. This desk does not reprint a dollar cap.

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Do this today

  • Photograph the empty unit and the keys as you return them.
  • Give a forwarding address in writing.
  • Keep the lease, the deduction list, and proof of mailing.
  • Open the Illinois deposit chapter before you treat a blog as the clock.

Who sets the deposit rule in Chicago?

Usually Illinois — Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes. Some cities add their own itemization or holding rules. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is the Chicago layer. The City has also proposed updates — treat only what the Department of Housing currently publishes as in force. This desk names the chapter. It does not reprint a cap or a day-count.

What evidence actually matters?

Move-in and move-out photos with dates, the lease, the forwarding address you gave, proof you returned the keys, and any deduction list. A text argument without photos is a weak file.

The Chicago layer

The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is the Chicago layer. The City has also proposed updates — treat only what the Department of Housing currently publishes as in force.

Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes (765 ILCS 705 to 755) is the Illinois floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.

Chicago questions

How do I get my security deposit back in Chicago?

Photograph the unit, return the keys as the lease requires, and give a forwarding address in writing. The clock and the cap live mainly in Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is the Chicago layer. The City has also proposed updates — treat only what the Department of Housing currently publishes as in force.

Does Chicago set its own deposit deadline?

Sometimes a city adds a rule; often it does not. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is the Chicago layer. The City has also proposed updates — treat only what the Department of Housing currently publishes as in force. Confirm with City of Chicago — Department of Housing and the Illinois chapter. We do not invent a day-count.

What number should I call in Chicago?

Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. City of Chicago — Department of Housing does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.

National answers on this desk

Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org