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How Much Can Landlords Charge for Security Deposits in Illinois?

In Illinois, there’s no limit to how much a landlord can ask you to put down for a security deposit. Sometimes Chicago landlords will substitute a nonrefundable move-in fee for the deposit, though.


When it comes to security deposits in particular, the laws in Illinois are not particularly renter-friendly. There’s no cap on how much your new landlord can legally ask you to put down for a security deposit. The equivalent of one or two months’ rent is common—but it’s not illegal for a landlord in Chicago or Evanston to ask for more. Whatever the amount, it should be clearly spelled out in your lease.

In Chicago especially, landlords will sometimes charge a “move-in fee” in lieu of a security deposit. Unlike a deposit, this money is generally not refundable. On the plus side, a move-in fee is usually smaller than a security deposit—it shouldn’t be more than half a month’s rent—so you’ll have to put down less money up-front.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.