Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Illinois

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Illinois law says

Itemized deductions	Itemized statement of damage with estimated or actual repair/replacement cost for each item, with paid receipts (or copies) attached, delivered within 30 days by personal delivery, postmarked mail, or email to a verified address; if estimates are used, paid receipts must follow within 30 days. If receipts are unavailable through no fault of the landlord, a verified statement explaining why is allowed. Landlord may charge reasonable cost of own labor. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a)-(b)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute, but deposits may not be kept for normal wear and tear. To withhold for damage, the landlord must give an itemized statement of damage and repair costs with paid receipts within 30 days (by delivery, mail, or e-mail to a verified address). If the written lease specifies costs for cleaning, repair, or replacement of specific components, the landlord may withhold those amounts, but they must be for damage beyond normal wear and tear and reasonable to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the lease. The landlord may charge reasonable cost of its own labor. Section 1 was amended effective January 1, 2024 (P.A. 103-224), adding the e-mail delivery option and lease-specified cost rules. The AG notes tenants are responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a)

Itemized deductions

Itemized statement of damage with estimated or actual repair/replacement cost for each item, with paid receipts (or copies) attached, delivered within 30 days by personal delivery, postmarked mail, or email to a verified address; if estimates are used, paid receipts must follow within 30 days. If receipts are unavailable through no fault of the landlord, a verified statement explaining why is allowed.

Landlord may charge reasonable cost of own labor.

Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a)-(b)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute, but deposits may not be kept for normal wear and tear. To withhold for damage, the landlord must give an itemized statement of damage and repair costs with paid receipts within 30 days (by delivery, mail, or e-mail to a verified address). If the written lease specifies costs for cleaning, repair, or replacement of specific components, the landlord may withhold those amounts, but they must be for damage beyond normal wear and tear and reasonable to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the lease. The landlord may charge reasonable cost of its own labor.

Section 1 was amended effective January 1, 2024 (P.A. 103-224), adding the e-mail delivery option and lease-specified cost rules. The AG notes tenants are responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Illinois tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.