Illinois security deposit demand letter
Create an Illinois security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
Go to the formCommon questions about Illinois security deposit return demand letters
What law governs a residential security deposit in Illinois?
Illinois ordinary residential deposits use 765 ILCS 710. Separate rules may apply to qualifying properties with at least 25 units and deposits held over six months, mobile-home parks with at least five homes, and Chicago rentals. The form collects unit count, holding period, public-housing status, tenancy type, and locality before selecting a branch. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1; 765 ILCS 715/1-3.
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Illinois?
Ordinary statewide rules remain: damage itemization within 30 days after the later of vacancy or end of the tenant’s right of possession, and a 45-day full-return backstop from vacancy when no compliant statement/receipts are furnished. Chicago-covered rentals use the RLTO 30-day itemization and 45-day return framework. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a)-(b); 765 ILCS 715/2.
What itemization or documentation is required in Illinois?
Ordinary statewide damage deductions require an itemized statement and estimated or actual repair/replacement costs, with receipts or statutory substitute evidence. Chicago similarly requires itemization and supporting material. The letter requests only the itemization, accounting, and supporting documents required by that rule. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a)-(b); 765 ILCS 745/18(a).
What remedy may apply if an Illinois landlord does not comply?
Four remedies must not be conflated. Under 765 ILCS 710/1(c), a qualifying court finding supports twice the deposit due plus costs and fees. The ordinary statewide doubled remedy requires the court findings stated in 765 ILCS 710/1(c), including refusal or bad-faith itemization and failure/refusal to return the amount due. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(c); 765 ILCS 715/2.
Does Illinois require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No special method is prescribed for an ordinary tenant demand, but the sender should supply a mailing or verified email address because address failure can protect the landlord from resulting damages or penalties. The cited law does not prescribe a tenant demand form or verbatim demand wording for ordinary, Chicago, or mobile-home deposit claims. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a); 765 ILCS 745/18(a); 765 ILCS 710/1.
Create a Illinois security deposit demand letter
Legal basis
765 ILCS 710/1; 765 ILCS 715/1-3; 765 ILCS 745/1, 18; Chicago § 5-12-020
Ordinary residential deposits are governed by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, 765 ILCS 710/1. Two additional regimes may apply: the Security Deposit Interest Act, 765 ILCS 715, for qualifying properties with 25 or more units and deposits held more than six months (excluding public housing), and the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act, 765 ILCS 745/18, for leases of a mobile home or lot in a park with five or more homes. Chicago RLTO coverage remains an additional local branch subject to § 5-12-020 exclusions.
Official sources: 765 ILCS 710/1; 765 ILCS 710/1(a)-(b); 765 ILCS 710/1(c); 765 ILCS 710/1(a) · Verified July 24, 2026