Index
Chicago Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)
Summary
The Chicago RLTO heavily protects tenants. Landlords must keep your security deposit in a separate, interest-bearing account and provide a receipt, or they face severe financial penalties.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Your landlord MUST give you a receipt for your security deposit that includes the amount, date, and name of the person receiving it.
- 02.The deposit MUST be held in a federally insured, interest-bearing account in an Illinois bank.
- 03.The landlord CANNOT mix your deposit with their own personal money.
- 04.The deposit must be returned within 45 days of you moving out, or within 30 days if deductions are made (with an itemized list).
Penalties
- 01.If a landlord fails to provide a proper receipt or mixes your deposit with their money, you can sue them for the return of the deposit PLUS twice the deposit amount as a penalty, along with attorney's fees.
Verified Citations
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 5-12-080
Source"A landlord shall hold all security deposits received by him in a federally insured interest-bearing account in a bank, savings and loan association or other financial institution located in the State of Illinois. A security deposit... shall continue to be the property of the tenant making such deposit, shall not be commingled with the assets of the landlord..."