How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit, and what happens if they don't follow the rules in Chicago?

Throughout Illinois, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit along with a detailed list of deductions. In Chicago, they must also keep the deposit in a separate interest-bearing bank account and pay you the accrued interest annually; if they fail to follow these rules, you can claim up to twice the deposit amount plus interest.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make necessary repairs to my apartment in Chicago?

In Chicago, you can use the 'repair and deduct' remedy, which allows you to pay for repairs yourself and deduct up to $500 or half a month's rent from your payment. For more serious issues, you can also withhold rent by depositing it into a separate account until the landlord fulfills their obligation to keep the property habitable.

How much notice must my landlord give me before starting an eviction for non-payment of rent or ending my lease?

If you haven't paid rent, the landlord must give you a 5-day notice before starting the eviction process; for lease violations, the notice is 10 days. If you have a month-to-month lease and the landlord wants to end it, they are required to give you a 30-day notice.

Tenant rights in Illinois and Chicago: 2025 guide

Illinois and Chicago: strong tenant protections

Illinois has a very large Hispanic community, especially in the Chicago area. If you rent in this state, it is essential that you know your rights, particularly under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).

Security deposits in Illinois

Statewide in Illinois:

There is no state limit on the deposit amount

The landlord has 30 days to return the deposit

Must provide an itemized list of deductions

In Chicago (stricter rules):

The landlord must keep the deposit in a separate bank account that earns interest

Must pay the tenant the accumulated interest annually

If they fail to comply with these rules, the tenant can claim up to 2 times the deposit plus interest

Repairs and habitability

The landlord must keep the property in habitable condition. In Chicago:

If the landlord does not make necessary repairs, you can use the repair and deduct remedy (up to $500 or half a month’s rent)

For serious problems, you can withhold rent by depositing it in a separate account

The landlord must provide adequate heating (minimum 68°F/20°C from September to June)

Eviction protections

The landlord must give a 5-day notice for non-payment before starting the process

For lease violations, the notice is 10 days

To terminate a month-to-month lease, 30 days notice is required

Retaliatory evictions are illegal

The Chicago RLTO — special protections

The City of Chicago has the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, which offers additional protections:

Summary of rights: the landlord must give the tenant a summary of the RLTO when signing the lease

Payment receipts: the landlord MUST give receipts for every rent payment

Interest on deposits: mandatory in Chicago

Right to organize: they cannot penalize you for joining a tenant association

If they charge you excessive late fees

In Chicago, late payment charges cannot be excessive or used as a punishment mechanism. If your landlord charges unreasonable fees, you can challenge them.

Resources in Illinois

Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO): 773-292-4988 — free advice for tenants in Chicago

Legal Aid Chicago: free legal help

Illinois Attorney General: consumer protection office

311 Chicago: to report housing problems in the city

Remember: these rights protect you regardless of your immigration status.

Tenant rights in Illinois and Chicago: 2025 guide

Illinois and Chicago: strong tenant protections

Security deposits in Illinois

Statewide in Illinois:

In Chicago (stricter rules):

Repairs and habitability

Eviction protections

The Chicago RLTO — special protections

If they charge you excessive late fees

Resources in Illinois

Frequently Asked Questions

State guides

Related articles

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What to do if your landlord will not make repairs in Florida

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