Reaching the end of a lease does not always mean a smooth transition out of your apartment. Tenants commonly have questions about deposits, property damage or breaking the lease early, and many tenants worry that the only way to resolve these problems is by going to court. In Illinois, however, tenants and landlords often benefit from negotiating directly. With the right approach, you can protect your rights while avoiding unnecessary legal battles and expenses.
At the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., our Hillside, IL residential real estate attorney helps clients understand their options under state law and pursue fair resolutions with landlords.
Can You Negotiate Security Deposit Disputes with Your Landlord?
One of the most common conflicts at the end of a lease is the landlord’s return of a security deposit. Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/1), landlords must return deposits within 30 days of a renter leaving the apartment if the landlord intends to make deductions for damages. The landlord must also provide an itemized list of those damages. If no deductions are claimed, the full amount must be returned within 45 days.