Illinois 30-Day / 45-Day Security Deposit Rule

Illinois does not use one single deposit deadline for every situation. The statute gives 30 days for the property-damage statement and supporting cost information, and provides a 45-day full-return rule when the required statement and receipts are not furnished.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited

Damage statement30 days

Later of vacate date or end of right of possession.

Full return if documentation missing45 days

From the date the tenant vacated.

Why the two dates should be kept separate

The 30-day rule governs the landlord’s ability to withhold for property damage by requiring itemization and support. The 45-day provision is the full-return consequence described by the statute when the required statement and receipts are not furnished.

Delivery methods

The current statute allows the itemized statement to be delivered personally, by postmarked mail to the last known address, or by electronic mail to a verified email address provided by the tenant.

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

Official sources

Illinois General Assembly765 ILCS 710/1 — Statement of damage ↗

Current primary statute for damage itemization, receipts, 30-day damage statement and 45-day full-return rule when required documentation is not supplied.

Related Illinois guides

Security Deposit →Itemization & Receipts →Move-Out Charges →Electronic Delivery →