Illinois Security Deposit Demand Letter (765 ILCS 710)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), a landlord who intends to deduct for damage must send an itemized statement, with paid receipts or estimates, within 30 days after the tenant vacates, and if no proper statement is sent, must return the full deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates. Based on my move-out date, those deadlines were [Move-out date] and [Move-out date]. This letter also provides my mailing address in writing.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount of the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Illinois
The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act covers residential rentals. A landlord who wants to keep part of the deposit for damage must send an itemized statement of the damage and the estimated or actual cost of each repair, with paid receipts or copies, within 30 days after the tenant moves out or the right of possession ends, whichever is later. The statement can be delivered in person, by postmarked mail to the last known address, or by email to a verified address the tenant provided.
If the landlord gives only estimates, the paid receipts must follow within 30 days after the statement. A landlord who doesn't send the statement and receipts must return the full deposit within 45 days after the tenant moves out. Because a landlord isn't liable if the tenant never gave a mailing or email address, this letter includes your forwarding address.
If a court finds that the landlord refused to send the itemized statement, or sent it in bad faith, and didn't return the deposit on time, the landlord owes twice the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees. Separately, landlords of buildings or complexes with 25 or more units must pay interest on deposits held more than six months under the Security Deposit Interest Act. Illinois small claims cases can seek up to $10,000.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Illinois's own deadline under 765 ILCS 710 is 45 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Illinois limit: $10,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Illinois, the rules are set out in Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award twice the amount of the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Illinois the limit is $10,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Illinois security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), a landlord who intends to deduct for damage must send an itemized statement, with paid receipts or estimates, within 30 days after the tenant vacates, and if no proper statement is sent, must return the full deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates. Based on my move-out date, those deadlines were September 30, 2026 and October 15, 2026. This letter also provides my mailing address in writing.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount of the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Illinois landlord have to return a security deposit?
A landlord who wants to deduct for damage must send an itemized statement, with receipts or estimates, within 30 days after you move out. If no proper statement is sent, the full deposit must be returned within 45 days after you move out.
Does the Illinois deposit law apply to my building?
The Security Deposit Return Act applies to lessors of residential real property. An older version applied only to buildings with five or more units, but the current text, as amended effective January 1, 2024, has no unit-count limit.
What can I recover if my Illinois landlord breaks the rules?
If a court finds the landlord refused to provide the itemized statement, or provided it in bad faith, and didn't return the deposit on time, the landlord owes twice the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable legal fees.
Does my Illinois deposit earn interest?
Only in larger properties. Under the Security Deposit Interest Act, landlords with 25 or more units in one building or a complex of contiguous buildings must pay interest on deposits held more than six months, at the passbook savings rate of the state's largest bank.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.