--- title: "Illinois Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC" description: "Illinois landlord-tenant rules: no deposit cap in the law read, deposit returned within 45 days, 30-day notice to end month-to-month. Official sources linked." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/illinois-landlord-rules" --- Free tool · Illinois · Landlords and tenants # Illinois landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Illinois, each from the state's own pages or courts. **Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Illinois: In buildings of five or more units: the deposit in full within 45 days of move-out; if any amount is withheld, an itemized statement of damages with paid receipts within 30 days of move-out. Deposit limit: No maximum in 765 ILCS 710. **Sources checked:** November 2026 **Quick answer.** Illinois: no deposit cap in the law read; deposit returned within 45 days; 30-day notice to end month-to-month; 5-day notice for unpaid rent; $10,000 small claims limit. 19 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 4 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check. ## Key numbers Deposit limit No cap in the law read Deposit back within 45 days Month-to-month notice (landlord) 30 days Unpaid rent notice 5 days Time to answer or appear At the hearing Small claims limit $10,000 ## Security deposit (6 of 6 confirmed) Law read: 765 ILCS 710 (Security Deposit Return Act). Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving). - ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No maximum in 765 ILCS 710. Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws (01/24)](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedReturn deadline In buildings of five or more units: the deposit in full within 45 days of move-out; if any amount is withheld, an itemized statement of damages with paid receipts within 30 days of move-out.Itemized statement with receipts (if withholding): 30 days Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws (01/24)](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions An itemized statement of damages with paid receipts, within 30 days of move-out. Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws (01/24)](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit Where the deposit is held at least six months and the building or complex has at least 25 units, interest is paid or credited every 12 months. The Attorney General's guide gives no rate; check 765 ILCS 715. Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws (01/24)](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held None stated in 765 ILCS 710. Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws (01/24)](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states If a court finds a violation, damages of two times the deposit, plus court costs and attorney fees. Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws (01/24)](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 Who the deposit rules cover: The Attorney General says the return rules apply to buildings or complexes of five or more units. Chicago and other cities can have their own ordinances. More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-IL) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=IL) ## Notice periods (6 of 6 confirmed) What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too. | Notice | Rule | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Ending month-to-month (landlord) | A 30-day written notice; no reason needed. | Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 | | Ending month-to-month (tenant) | A 30-day notice is normally enough, unless the lease requires longer. | Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 | | Rent increase notice | 30 days' notice for a month-to-month tenancy (7 days for week-to-week); no increase during a fixed-term lease. | Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 | | Unpaid rent notice | Five days to pay the rent. | Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 | | Entry notice | No statewide entry notice statute: Nolo's 50-state chart (updated 7/18/2025) lists Illinois as 'No statute'. Some cities have their own rules. Check the lease and any local ordinance. | Source: [Nolo (secondary source): State Laws on Landlord's Access to Rental Property, 50-state chart (updated 7/18/2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/renters-rights-book/chapter8-1.html), checked November 2026 | | Late fee limits | A reasonable fee for late rent; the guide sets no cap. | Source: [Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/LandlordAndTenantRightsLaws.pdf), checked November 2026 | More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-IL) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=IL) ## Eviction case, in order (6 of 10 confirmed) - **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: Five days to pay the rent. - **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt The circuit court for the county.IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT Source: [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedFiling fee Not confirmed — check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear The tenant attends court on the summons date; a written Answer is needed only if the judge orders one.You do not have to file a court form called an Answer in an eviction case unless ordered to by the judge. Source: [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Hearing or trial** #### ConfirmedHearing after filing The summons must be served at least 3 days before the court date (7 in Cook County); the earliest date here assumes service on the filing day.This summons must be served at least 3 days before the court date (7 days in Cook County). Source: [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### Not confirmedJudgment to writ Not confirmed — check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout If the tenant doesn't move after an eviction order, the sheriff can remove the occupants.the sheriff can remove you and all other occupants from the property Source: [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### Not confirmedPaying to stop the case Not confirmed — check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Eviction Help Illinois, a state-funded network, offers free legal aid, mediation and rental assistance referrals to people in Illinois below 80% of median income.Eviction Help Illinois is a state-funded network providing free legal aid, mediation services Source: [Illinois Courts: Eviction Help Illinois](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/4351feb0-b937-4600-9994-0a83242c216c/EvictionHelp.pdf), checked November 2026 ### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027 The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer. | Stage | Earliest date | | --- | --- | | Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 | | Answer or appear | Thursday, March 4, 2027 | | Hearing or trial | Thursday, March 4, 2027 | | Judgment | Thursday, March 4, 2027 | Help the official pages name: Illinois Court Help, call or text (833) 411-1121, Eviction Help Illinois, 855-631-0811 and Cook County's Early Resolution Program (free legal aid). More: [Eviction process timeline by state](/tools/eviction-process-timeline-by-state) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=il) ## Deposit disputes: small claims - ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $10,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.$10,000 or less. Source: [Illinois Courts: How to File and Serve a Small Claims Complaint and Summons (SC-I 1802.1, rev. 08/20)](https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Resources/fc725e38-19e3-4eaf-b7ae-2292402109d0/SMC_HowtoFileandServeaSmallClaimsComplaintandSummons.pdf), checked November 2026 More: [Illinois small claims court](/tools/small-claims-illinois) ## Still to confirm - Filing fee: check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf) - Judgment to writ: check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf) - Writ to lockout: check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf) - Paying to stop the case: check [Illinois Courts: Eviction Summons, statewide approved form (ATJ 3510.4, 10/26)](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/64f9544b-7e64-40b7-b9f2-45ecc09ecc49/EVC%20Eviction%20Summons.pdf) General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word. ## Common questions **How much can a security deposit be in Illinois?** No maximum in 765 ILCS 710. **How long does a Illinois landlord have to return a deposit?** In buildings of five or more units: the deposit in full within 45 days of move-out; if any amount is withheld, an itemized statement of damages with paid receipts within 30 days of move-out. What goes with it: An itemized statement of damages with paid receipts, within 30 days of move-out. **How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Illinois?** From the landlord: A 30-day written notice; no reason needed. From the tenant: A 30-day notice is normally enough, unless the lease requires longer. **What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Illinois?** Five days to pay the rent. **How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Illinois?** No statewide entry notice statute: Nolo's 50-state chart (updated 7/18/2025) lists Illinois as 'No statute'. Some cities have their own rules. Check the lease and any local ordinance. **How long does an eviction case take in Illinois?** Time to answer or appear: At the hearing. Hearing after filing: At least 3 days. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer. **Can a Illinois deposit dispute go to small claims court?** The small claims limit in our data: $10,000: the most a small claims case can ask for. The court's own page explains what kinds of cases it hears. Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords) ## Keep rental records in order [Bookkeeping for small landlords](/bookkeeping/for/small-landlords)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)