How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Illinois?
An Illinois landlord of five or more units has 30 days after the tenant vacates to send an itemized damage statement with receipts, and must return the whole deposit within 45 days if it does not. Here is how the days are counted and what a missed deadline costs.
What is the Illinois deadline to return a security deposit?
A lessor of residential property with five or more units may not withhold any part of a deposit as reimbursement for property damage unless, within 30 days after the tenant vacated, it furnishes an itemized statement of the damage and the estimated or actual cost of repairing or replacing each item, attaching the paid receipts (765 ILCS 710/1(a)). If no such statement and receipts are furnished, it must return the security deposit in full within 45 days after the tenant vacated. The Illinois security deposit return deadline calculator turns your date into both deadlines.
What if the landlord only has estimates?
If estimated cost is given, the lessor must furnish paid receipts, or copies, within 30 days from the date the statement showing estimated cost was furnished (710/1(a)). The statement and the receipts are separate deadlines, so a landlord that sent estimates on day 25 has until day 55 for the receipts.
What if the landlord has no receipts?
If, through no fault of the lessor, it cannot produce receipts, it must produce an itemized list of the cost of repair or replacement, any other evidence it has of the cost, and a verified statement of the lessor or its agent explaining why it cannot produce receipts and confirming that it has provided all other evidence of the cost (710/1(b)).
How is the statement delivered?
By personal delivery, by postmarked mail directed to the tenant’s last known address, or by e-mail to a verified e-mail address the tenant provided (710/1(a)). If the tenant fails to give a mailing or e-mail address, the lessor is not liable for damages or penalties as a result of the tenant’s failure.
What does a late or bad-faith landlord owe?
On a finding by a circuit court that the lessor refused to supply the itemized statement, or supplied it in bad faith, and failed or refused to return the deposit due within the time limits, the lessor is liable for twice the amount of the deposit due, with court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees (710/1(c)).
How are the days counted?
The first day is not counted, and if the last day is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday it is excluded too (5 ILCS 70/1.11). A tenant who vacates on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 has a statement deadline of Friday, November 27, and a 45th day of Saturday, December 12, which moves to Monday, December 14.
A worked example
A tenant in a six-unit building vacates on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The landlord has until Friday, November 27 to send the itemized statement with paid receipts, or the whole deposit is due by Monday, December 14. If the statement shows estimated costs and is sent on November 20, the paid receipts are due 30 days later, on Monday, December 21. The deposit deadline calculator does the same count for your dates.
A checklist for tenants
Give your new address in writing; return the keys and get a dated receipt; photograph the unit at move-out; calendar the 30 and 45 days; and keep the lease and receipts.
Keep the proof
Keep the lease, the date you vacated and returned the keys, your forwarding address and any statement with its envelope or e-mail header.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does an Illinois landlord have to return a deposit?
In buildings of five or more units: 30 days to send an itemized statement with receipts, or 45 days to return the whole deposit if it does not.
When must receipts arrive if the landlord used estimates?
Within 30 days after the statement.
What if the landlord cannot find receipts?
It must give an itemized list, other evidence of the cost and a verified statement explaining why.
What is the penalty for a bad-faith landlord?
Twice the deposit due, plus costs and attorney’s fees.
Does the 30-day rule apply to a duplex?
The statewide Act covers five or more units; smaller buildings follow the lease and local rules.
Official sources
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Illinois statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Illinois attorney.