A reusable report can remove a screening fee
Under 765 ILCS 705/30, a qualifying reusable tenant screening report prevents a landlord from charging a report-access or application-screening fee. It must be prepared within the previous 30 days, be available to the landlord free of charge through an eligible provider, and include the information required by the law and the landlord's consistently used criteria.
A screenshot of a credit score is not necessarily a qualifying report. Before buying one, ask the property which information and delivery method it requires. Compare the report's purchase price with the screening fees you would otherwise pay.
Do not apply the 2027 fee rule early
As of this guide's October 29, 2026 review, Illinois' new rental-fee provisions are scheduled for January 1, 2027, following Public Act 104-0514. They include a $50 application/background-check ceiling with a documented third-party-cost exception. That future ceiling is not the general statewide rule for an October 2026 application; local protections can already apply.
Illinois deposit limits and local rules
The Illinois Attorney General's overview describes no general statewide dollar limit on security deposits. Check the property's city and county before relying on that baseline: local ordinances may restrict deposits or other move-in charges. Request a written explanation distinguishing a refundable deposit from a nonrefundable fee.
FeeHQ illustration: comparing upfront cash
A hypothetical $1,400 first month's rent and $1,400 refundable deposit require $2,800 before other items. If a qualifying reusable report removes the landlord's screening charge, that charge is $0, but any amount you paid the report provider remains an expense. This is a budgeting example, not a recommended deposit or a complete quote.
The 30-day statement and 45-day full-return rules
The Security Deposit Return Act amendment effective in 2024 removed the former five-unit threshold. For damage deductions, the itemized statement is due within 30 days of leaving or the end of your right to possession, whichever is later, with required supporting documentation. If the required statement and receipts are not furnished, the Act calls for full return within 45 days of vacating.
These are different steps, not a blanket permission to keep every deposit for 45 days. Local rules may add protection. Compare the claimed damage, repair cost and supporting records with your move-in condition report.
What to save
- The property's criteria and response to your reusable report.
- A breakdown of deposits, screening charges and other move-in money.
- Your written move-out notice and the agreed tenancy end date.
- Photos, key-return confirmation and a forwarding address.
If a charge or deadline is disputed, ask an Illinois tenant adviser to check the applicable local ordinance and tenancy dates. Do not use a future law or an outdated small-building exemption to decide the issue.
Sources and review notes
- Illinois 765 ILCS 705/30: qualifying reusable reports ↗
- Illinois 765 ILCS 705/35: forthcoming fee provisions ↗
- Illinois Public Act 104-0514: January 1, 2027 effective date ↗
- Illinois Attorney General: general deposit baseline; consult current law for return rules ↗
- Illinois Public Act 103-0224: current return-act coverage and deadlines ↗
We checked these primary sources on October 29, 2026. Published provider prices are examples, not a national average or an endorsement. Availability, scope, taxes and terms may change. FeeHQ calculations are labeled illustrations. How we research fees.