Security deposits in Chicago, IL

One rule applies, with its citation below.

Research, not legal advice

These summaries are compiled from ordinance text and public sources and are dated at the point they were last checked. Rules change between checks — Newark replaced its whole registration regime in a single month — so confirm anything you are about to underwrite against the primary source or the municipal office named in the citation.

RLTO deposit violations cost twice the deposit plus fees

Chicagomedium confidence

Verified on 2026-08-01 — 15 days ago.

Under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, a security deposit violation carries damages of twice the deposit plus attorney's fees.

Standard local practice is a non-refundable move-in fee instead of a deposit, which sidesteps the statute rather than trying to comply with it perfectly from out of state.

Damages: 2× the deposit, plus fees

Sources

Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance — Chicago Mun. Code ch. 5-12

Every rule for Chicago, IL