Quick Answer
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, 765 ILCS 710, a landlord of a building or complex with five or more units who keeps any part of a deposit sends the tenant an itemized list of damages with paid receipts within 30 days of the move-out date, and returns the balance within 45 days. For buildings with 25 or more units, interest is owed on deposits held at least six months. Statute text last checked October 22, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Two clocks. Itemized list within 30 days of move-out; refund within 45 days.
- Receipts travel with the list. Paid receipts or estimates support each deduction.
- Five-unit threshold. The Act as summarized by the Attorney General applies to buildings or complexes of five or more units.
- Interest at 25 units. Buildings with 25 or more units pay interest on deposits held six months or more, each 12 months.
- Smaller buildings. Apply the same discipline even where the Act does not apply, because it is a clear standard.
1. The Two Deadlines
The Attorney General’s summary describes two dates counted from move-out. Within 30 days, a landlord who withholds any part sends the tenant an itemized list of damages with paid receipts. Within 45 days, the landlord returns the deposit or the balance after lawful deductions. Put both dates on your calendar the day the tenant moves out.
2. What a Good Itemization Looks Like
List each deduction on its own line with a dollar figure and a short reason, then attach the paid receipt or written estimate behind it. Keep the move-in condition report and move-out photographs in the same file. Line-by-line clarity makes the document easy to follow for a tenant, a mediator or a judge.
3. Interest on Larger Buildings
If the building or complex has 25 or more units and the deposit is held at least six months, the landlord pays the interest, or credits it to rent, every 12 months. Track the interest in the ledger as its own line so the amount is visible each year.
4. If the Deadlines Are Missed
As summarized by the Attorney General, a court that finds a violation may award twice the deposit, plus court costs and attorney’s fees. A willful failure to pay required interest may support recovery of an amount equal to the deposit. Treat the deadlines as firm.
5. Small Buildings
Buildings with fewer than five units are outside the Act as summarized, but good records still matter. Many owners of small buildings use the same 30/45-day schedule so every tenant is handled the same way.
6. A Checklist
- Record the move-out date and calendar day 30 and day 45.
- Inspect and photograph the unit; compare with the move-in report.
- Collect receipts or estimates for each deduction.
- Send the itemized list with receipts by day 30.
- Return the balance by day 45 and keep proof of delivery.
7. What This Guide Does Not Cover
This guide covers the deposit return timeline and interest summary. It does not cover prepaid rent, flood-damage provisions, small-claims procedure, or Chicago’s ordinance. It states the statute and does not predict how a court will rule.
8. Questions Owners Ask
Do the 30 and 45 days overlap? Yes. The list is due by day 30 and the money by day 45, both counted from move-out.
Can I deduct ordinary wear? Deductions should relate to damage. Keep receipts and condition records for every line.
Is interest owed on a three-unit building? The interest rule described applies to buildings with 25 or more units.