Can My Landlord Deduct Normal Wear and Tear from My Deposit in Illinois?
Researched by the DepositHawk Research Team · Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Verified 2026-06-11
No — landlords in Illinois generally cannot deduct for normal wear and tear from a security deposit.
Deadline check
Where are you with your deposit?
Besides the normal wear and tear charge itself, check the timing. Illinois landlords have 30 days after move-out to send an itemized statement of any damage they're charging for, and 45 days to return the deposit in full if they don't, under 765 ILCS 710/1.
Under 765 ILCS 710/1, normal wear and tear is not a permissible deduction in Illinois. Normal wear and tear refers to the minor, expected deterioration of a rental unit that results from ordinary, everyday use over time. Landlords cannot charge tenants for this category of wear. If your landlord has charged you for this, you may have grounds to dispute the deduction and recover the withheld amount.
Source: 765 ILCS 710/1. Verified 2026-06-11.
What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear in Illinois?
In Illinois, normal wear and tear is generally not a deductible charge against a security deposit. Landlords here have two deadlines, 45 and 30 days, under 765 ILCS 710/1; one who misses the later faces a court-decided remedy, not a fixed figure.
Normal wear and tear refers to the minor, expected deterioration of a rental unit that results from ordinary, everyday use over time. Landlords cannot charge tenants for this category of wear.
Common examples in this category:
- Small nail holes from hanging pictures
- Minor scuffs or marks on walls from normal use
- Faded or worn carpet from regular foot traffic
- Loose door hinges from regular use
- Light scratches on hardwood floors from normal use
How Much Can My Illinois Landlord Charge for Normal Wear and Tear?
Nothing. Normal wear and tear is not a chargeable deduction under 765 ILCS 710/1 — no dollar amount, receipt, or lease clause makes it billable.
What Illinois Law Says Under 765 ILCS 710/1
Landlords in Illinois have 45 days to return the deposit if no claim is made, or 30 days to give notice of a claim. A landlord who misses the later deadline faces a court-decided remedy, not a fixed figure. The itemized statement itself is due within 30 days.
Illinois Deposit Key Facts
- Statute
- 765 ILCS 710/1
- Return Deadline
- 45 days after move-out
- Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
- Up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount
- Itemized Statement Required
- Yes
What Your Illinois Landlord CAN Deduct
In Illinois, the statute lets landlords deduct unpaid rent and documented damage beyond normal wear when the charge is itemized. Every deduction must be itemized within 30 days, and a landlord who skips that step faces a court-decided remedy, not a fixed figure.
Permissible deductions under 765 ILCS 710/1 when properly documented:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning if lease requires and unit was left dirty
- Lease-break fees if specified in lease
- Costs to replace items tenant removed or kept
What Your Illinois Landlord CANNOT Deduct
In Illinois, the law does not let a landlord deduct for normal wear and tear, such as faded paint or minor scuffs. A landlord who wrongly withholds it faces a court-decided remedy, not a fixed figure, with deadlines of 45 and 30 days depending on whether a claim is made.
Impermissible deductions under 765 ILCS 710/1:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint)
- Carpet replacement after useful life (typically 7-10 years)
- Painting after 2+ year tenancy (normal wear)
- Pre-existing damage not noted at move-in
- Upgrades or improvements beyond restoring to original condition
- Costs to fix landlord deferred maintenance
How Do I Dispute a Normal Wear and Tear Deduction in Illinois?
In Illinois, a tenant can dispute a wrongful deduction with a written demand letter, then sue in small claims court. In Illinois, small claims court hears claims up to $10,000. A landlord who lets 45 days pass faces a court-decided remedy, not a fixed figure.
If your landlord has deducted normal wear and tear from your deposit and you believe it is improper under 765 ILCS 710/1, here are your options:
- Send a demand letter — cite 765 ILCS 710/1 and the specific deduction you are disputing. A statute-cited demand letter puts your landlord on notice and often resolves disputes without court.
- Document everything — gather move-in and move-out photos, your lease, and any written communications with your landlord.
- File in small claims court — if your landlord ignores the demand letter, you can file in Illinois small claims court. No lawyer is required. Filing costs about $64.
Illinois landlords who wrongfully withhold deposit funds face Up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount in penalties under 765 ILCS 710/1. The deadline to return your deposit is 45 days from move-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord deduct normal wear and tear from my deposit in Illinois?
No — landlords in Illinois generally cannot deduct for normal wear and tear from a security deposit.
What does 765 ILCS 710/1 say about normal wear and tear deductions?
Under 765 ILCS 710/1, normal wear and tear is not a permissible deduction in Illinois. Normal wear and tear refers to the minor, expected deterioration of a rental unit that results from ordinary, everyday use over time. Landlords cannot charge tenants for this category of wear. If your landlord has charged you for this, you may have grounds to dispute the deduction and recover the withheld amount.
What happens if my Illinois landlord wrongfully deducts normal wear and tear from my deposit?
Under 765 ILCS 710/1, if your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may be entitled to Up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount in penalties. Landlords must return the deposit within 45 days of move-out. If they miss that deadline or make improper deductions, you can send a demand letter and, if ignored, file in small claims court.
Illinois Security Deposit Resources
Complete breakdown of 765 ILCS 710/1: return deadlines, penalties, all deduction rules.
Enter your move-out date to calculate exactly when your Illinois landlord must return your deposit.
Dispute an improper normal wear and tear deduction with a demand letter that cites 765 ILCS 710/1 directly.
See what your state’s law says your landlord owes you, then generate a demand letter. Check my rights & generate my letter — $19
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. Information is based on 765 ILCS 710/1 as of 2026-06-11. Laws change — verify current statutes at your state legislature's website.