The Chicago security deposit demand letter that gets deposits back.
Your Chicago landlord must act with the itemized statement due within 30 days and the refund within 45 days of termination (properties of 5 or more units) under 765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act). If they missed it, the statute is written on your side. We cite the statute, mail your demand USPS Certified, and track the response.
The law that protects your deposit
Deposits in Chicago are governed by Illinois state law: 765 ILCS 710/1 (Security Deposit Return Act). Bad-faith violations can make the landlord liable for twice the deposit plus attorney's fees and costs. Full Illinois deadline & penalty guide →
Extra protection in Chicago
Chicago's RLTO is stricter than Illinois state law: deposit interest, receipts, and a 2x-deposit penalty plus attorney's fees for violations.
If the landlord ignores your letter
Deposit claims from Chicago are typically filed in the small-claims court serving Cook County — designed for people without lawyers, with modest filing fees.
Chicago at a glance
Population ~2,664,000 (U.S. Census 2024 estimate, rounded). Every deposit dispute here runs on the same clock: the 45-day statutory window — and a certified letter is the documented first step.
General legal information, not legal advice. City-specific ordinances change; verify current rules or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.