Landlord & Tenant Laws in Illinois.

A tenant should confirm whether the rental property is covered by Illinois's statewide five-or-more-unit statute and whether a local ordinance, such as Chicago's residential landlord-tenant ordinance, provides stronger protections.

For residential properties containing five or more dwelling units, Illinois generally requires a landlord to return the security deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates, and to provide an itemized statement of deductions with paid receipts or estimates within 30 days if money is withheld for damage.

If a landlord covered by the statewide Security Deposit Return Act fails to comply, Illinois law may allow the tenant to recover the property and money due, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees in the right case.