Security deposit rights for Chicago renters
In Chicago, your deposit is still your money — your landlord is only holding it. Illinois law (765 ILCS 710) and Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO, Municipal Code §5-12-080) limit how long they can hold it and what they can deduct, and Chicago adds an interest requirement for covered buildings. They can't keep it for normal wear and tear. Renter Shield shows the current rule for your address.
Renter Shield provides legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. Deposit rules depend on your building, lease, and the current ordinance — the app shows the current rule for Chicago and always points you to free legal aid.
What Chicago renters should know
Chicago is unusual because most rentals are covered by the city's RLTO, which layers extra protections on top of Illinois law. Two deadlines matter: the time to send an itemized list of deductions after you move out, and the time to return the balance. Because the exact day counts depend on your building, Renter Shield surfaces the current figure for your Chicago address rather than guessing.
Interest on your deposit
Under the RLTO (Municipal Code §5-12-082), landlords of covered Chicago buildings must pay interest on held deposits — something Illinois law doesn't require statewide. The rate is set each year and the covered-building rules can change, so confirm the current number with the City of Chicago or free legal aid before relying on it.
What can and can't be deducted
✔ Fair to deduct (actual damage)
- Holes in the wall beyond small nail holes
- Broken fixtures, doors, or appliances
- Stains or pet damage to carpet
- Unpaid rent you agreed to owe
- Trash or belongings left behind
✘ Not fair to deduct (normal wear)
- Faded or lightly scuffed paint
- Light carpet wear in walkways
- Small nail holes from hanging pictures
- Worn fixtures from ordinary age
- Routine cleaning of a reasonably clean unit
How Chicago differs from the rest of Illinois
Outside Chicago, Illinois renters rely mainly on the statewide Security Deposit Return Act and Interest Act. Inside Chicago, the RLTO covers most buildings and adds tighter deadlines, an interest requirement, and penalties when a landlord doesn't follow the rules. A few owner-occupied small buildings are exempt from parts of the RLTO — one reason the exact rule depends on your specific building. Renter Shield resolves the city overlay for your address.
How to get your deposit back
- Photograph and date the unit at move-out, matching your move-in photos where you can. Renter Shield's evidence vault keeps them time-stamped and private to your device.
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing so the return clock starts cleanly.
- Send a dated written request for your deposit or an itemized list of deductions, and keep a copy. Renter Shield can draft this for you.
- If the deadline passes or deductions look improper, gather your records and consider small claims court — free legal aid can help you prepare.
Free help for Chicago renters
You never need Renter Shield to reach help — these are always free:
- Call 211 (or visit 211.org) for local rental assistance and referrals.
- Find free legal aid at illinoislegalaid.org or lawhelp.org.
- Contact the Illinois Attorney General consumer-protection office for landlord-tenant complaints.
Chicago security deposit questions
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Chicago?
Illinois law (765 ILCS 710) sets a deadline to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions, and Chicago's RLTO (§5-12-080) adds its own rules for covered buildings. Because the exact deadline depends on your building, Renter Shield shows the current rule for your Chicago address and dates your request so the clock is clear.
Can my Chicago landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. A landlord can deduct for actual damage beyond ordinary use, but not for normal wear and tear such as faded paint, light carpet wear, or small nail holes. Dated move-in and move-out photos are the best way to show the condition you left the unit in.
Do I get interest on my security deposit in Chicago?
Chicago's RLTO (§5-12-082) requires landlords of covered buildings to pay interest on deposits, unlike Illinois law statewide. The rate and covered buildings can change, so confirm the current figure with the City of Chicago or free legal aid — Renter Shield surfaces the current rule for your address.
What if my landlord won't return my deposit?
Send a dated written demand with your forwarding address and move-out photos, and keep a copy. Illinois law can make a landlord who wrongfully withholds a deposit liable for damages beyond the deposit plus costs and fees. If it isn't resolved, small claims court is an option, and free legal aid can help you prepare.
Get your Chicago deposit back — the calm, documented way.
Renter Shield shows the current Chicago rule for your building, keeps your move-out photos private on your device, and drafts a professional deposit-return request — free to start, no credit card.