States/Illinois/Bad-Faith Withholding
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Illinois renter guide

Illinois Bad-Faith Security Deposit Withholding

Illinois provides a court remedy when a lessor refuses to supply the required itemized statement, or supplies it in bad faith, and also fails or refuses to return the amount due within the statutory time limits.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited
Statutory remedyUp to 2× deposit due + costs/fees

The statute describes twice the amount of the security deposit due, together with court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, upon the required court finding.

This is not automatic

The remedy depends on a court finding and the statutory elements. A missed deadline or disputed charge should not automatically be labeled “bad faith” without the facts needed by the statute.

Check local law too. Illinois statewide law is the baseline. Chicago and other municipalities can add renter protections, deadlines or remedies.

Official sources

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