Can an Illinois landlord charge a security deposit?
For Illinois residential leases signed on or after January 1, 2027 (765 ILCS 705/35).
Last reviewed November 1, 2026 against Public Act 104-0479 and the sources below · How we check facts
Yes, if disclosed
This fee is allowed, but if it is required it must be on page one of the lease and in the listing.
What the law says
Not capped by the state law, but it must be on page one. Cook County (RTLO) caps deposits at 1.5 months of rent, and Chicago (RLTO) has its own deposit handling rules.
How to disclose it on page one
Example wording for the first page of the lease:
Security deposit (refundable): $1,650, due at signing.
Use the same wording in the listing, or link a free fee disclosure page that shows it.
Local rules
Cook County (RTLO) caps deposits at 1.5 months of rent in suburban Cook County. Chicago (RLTO) has strict receipt, interest and return rules.
For renters
If a security deposit is required but missing from page one of a lease signed from January 1, 2027, you are not liable for it. Renter rights.
Make your disclosure in about two minutes. Put every required fee on one page with a link you can paste into any listing, plus a print-ready block for page one of your lease.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Illinois landlord charge a security deposit?
Yes, if disclosed. Not capped by the state law, but it must be on page one. Cook County (RTLO) caps deposits at 1.5 months of rent, and Chicago (RLTO) has its own deposit handling rules.
Does a security deposit have to be on the first page of the lease?
If every tenant (or every tenant in that situation) must pay it, yes. Non-optional fees must be explicitly listed on page one, or the tenant is not liable for them.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with an Illinois attorney.