Chicago Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Chicago
Your Chicago landlord has 45 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
45
Days to return
$2,100
Avg. rent
2.7M
Population
Chicago Local Info
Chicago's RLTO (Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance) requires landlords to pay interest on deposits and provide specific disclosures. Violations can result in 2x deposit penalties.
Local Ordinance
Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)
Landlord must provide two copies of RLTO summary to tenant at lease signing. Must provide receipt for deposit within 5 business days.
Penalties: 2x security deposit amount plus interest for violations. Tenant may also recover attorney fees and court costs.
Read the full ordinance →Chicago Deposit Rules
Interest Required
Yes
Rate set annually by city comptroller
Max Deposit
1.5 months' rent
Return Deadline
45 days
Penalty
2x security deposit amount plus interest for violations. Tenant may also recover attorney fees and court costs.
Get Your Deposit Back in Chicago: Step by Step
Verify RLTO Compliance
Confirm your landlord provided you with the RLTO summary at lease signing and a deposit receipt within 5 business days. If they didn't, you may be entitled to immediate return of your full deposit plus penalties.
Calculate Your Deadline
Chicago landlords have 30 days from your move-out date to return your deposit with an itemized statement of any deductions. Use our calculator to determine your exact deadline.
Check for Interest Payment
Your landlord must pay interest on your deposit annually at the rate set by the city comptroller. If they haven't, this is an additional RLTO violation.
Send a Demand Letter
If the deadline has passed, send a formal demand letter citing the RLTO specifically. Reference 5-12-080 of the Municipal Code and demand 2x penalties.
File in Cook County Small Claims Court
If your landlord doesn't respond within 14 days, file a claim at Cook County Circuit Court. Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, and RLTO violation evidence.
Calculate Your Chicago Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
Cook County Circuit Court - Small Claims
Address
50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Filing Fee
$75-$262
Claims Limit
$10,000
Illinois Security Deposit Law
Return Deadline
45 days after move-out
Penalty for Late Return
You can recover your deposit amount plus damages and court costs
Chicago Security Deposit FAQ
What are my rights under Chicago's RLTO?
The RLTO provides stronger protections than Illinois state law. Your landlord must pay interest on your deposit, return it within 30 days of move-out, and provide a receipt within 5 business days of receiving your deposit.
What happens if my Chicago landlord doesn't pay interest on my deposit?
Under the RLTO, failure to pay required interest entitles you to return of the full deposit plus 2x the deposit amount in penalties, plus attorney fees.
How much can a Chicago landlord charge for a security deposit?
Under the RLTO, security deposits are limited to 1.5 months' rent. Any amount over that is a violation.
Do I need to give my Chicago landlord a forwarding address?
Yes. Providing your forwarding address in writing helps ensure you receive your deposit. Without it, the landlord may argue they couldn't return it.
Can I sue my Chicago landlord in small claims court for my deposit?
Yes. You can file in Cook County Small Claims Court for claims up to $10,000. The filing fee is $75-$262 depending on the amount.