Illinois Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Illinois security deposit demand letter that follows Illinois law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Illinois law says
| Deposit return deadline | If the landlord withholds anything for damage, an itemized statement with estimated or actual repair costs and paid receipts is due within 30 days after the tenant vacates (or possession ends, whichever is later); if no statement is given, the full deposit must be returned within 45 days after the tenant vacates. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1 |
|---|---|
| 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. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a)-(b) |
| Penalty for withholding | If a court finds the landlord refused to supply the itemized statement or supplied it in bad faith and failed to return the deposit on time: twice the amount of the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(c) |
| 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. Source: 765 ILCS 710/1(a) |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under 765 ILCS 710/1, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by 765 ILCS 710/1(c).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.