Security Deposit Interest in Illinois: 0.01% (2025 announced (2026)
Illinois requires landlords of residential buildings with 25 or more units to pay interest on security deposits held 6 months or more; the rate i… Calculator, statute citation, Last Verified date o
Quick answer
Yes — Illinois requires landlords to pay interest on qualifying security deposits. Illinois requires landlords of residential buildings with 25 or more units to pay interest on security deposits held 6 months or more; the rate is formula-based (largest Illinois bank passbook rate, effectively 0.01% in recent years - 2025 announced rate 0.01%), paid annually within 30 days after each 12-month rental period. The rule comes from 765 ILCS 715 (Security Deposit Interest Act), §§ 715/1 - 715/3. State statute (official text) · 2026-10-28
Calculator pre-loaded with this state:
The current rate in Illinois
Illinois does not fix the rate in the statute — it moves with a benchmark: 765 ILCS 715/2: rate set annually from the interest paid by the largest Illinois-based commercial bank on minimum-deposit passbook savings accounts as of December 31 of the prior year (2025 announcement: 0.01% APY / 0.005% interest rate); a 0.01% minimum applies in the current low-rate environment per the KSN Law summary..
Because the benchmark resets periodically, always check the current published value before relying on an older figure. Where we have confirmed the current value against the official announcement, the calculator above applies it; where we have not, the calculator says so instead of guessing.
How interest must be paid
Not specified in fetched sources; interest is paid annually (operationally simple interest), see unverified_flags. Paid in cash or as a rent credit within 30 days after the end of each 12-month rental period (765 ILCS 715/1 to 715/3 per KSN Law summary).
Who the law applies to
Residential rental property consisting of 25 or more units; deposits held for 6 months or more; excludes public housing deposits and tenants in default under the lease.
Cities that add their own rules
Chicago: RLTO (Chicago Municipal Code ch. 5-12, §§ 5-12-081/5-12-082) requires annual interest on deposits held more than 6 months in 25+ unit buildings at a rate computed and published by the City Comptroller each year; published rate has been 0.01% in recent years (2026 = 0.01% per Altus Property Partners). Cook County RTLO has its own separately published rate. Local Chicago mechanism confirmed from the City Clerk's official municipal code PDF.
How Illinois compares in the Midwest
| State | Rate | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 0.01% (2025 announced rate; formula-based, near-zero in recent years) | interest required |
| Indiana | — | no statewide requirement |
| Iowa | — | no statewide requirement |
| Kansas | — | no statewide requirement |
| Kentucky | — | no statewide requirement |
| Michigan | — | no statewide requirement |
| Minnesota | 1% per annum | interest required |
| Missouri | — | no statewide requirement |
| Nebraska | — | no statewide requirement |
| North Dakota | accrued interest (no statutory minimum rate located) | interest required |
| Ohio | 5% per annum | interest required |
| South Dakota | — | no statewide requirement |
| Wisconsin | — | no statewide requirement |
The statute behind it
| Field | Value | | --- | --- | --- | | Citation | 765 ILCS 715 (Security Deposit Interest Act), §§ 715/1 - 715/3 | | Official text | www.ilga.gov | | Last verified | 2026-10-28 |
Cross-checked against: KSN Law - 2025 Illinois Security Deposit Interest Rate announcement (law firm; mechanics + 2025 rate fetched 2026-10-28), Chicago City Clerk - Municipal Code Chapter 5-12 PDF (official city document; § 5-12-082 interest rate notification by comptroller), Nair Law - Security and Damage Deposits complaint PDF citing 765 ILCS 715/0.01 et seq..
Statutes get amended. If you are relying on this page — for a move-out, a dispute, or a lease draft — click through to the official text and confirm the current wording.
FAQ
Does Illinois require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
Yes. Under 765 ILCS 715 (Security Deposit Interest Act), §§ 715/1 - 715/3, qualifying landlords in Illinois must pay interest — currently 0.01% (2025 announced rate; formula-based, near-zero in recent years). Residential rental property consisting of 25 or more units; deposits held for 6 months or more; excludes public housing deposits and tenants in default under the lease.
How is deposit interest calculated in Illinois?
At 0.01% (2025 announced rate; formula-based, near-zero in recent years). Not specified in fetched sources; interest is paid annually (operationally simple interest), see unverified_flags. The calculator at the top of this page applies exactly this rule to your deposit amount and dates.
When do I get the interest?
Paid in cash or as a rent credit within 30 days after the end of each 12-month rental period (765 ILCS 715/1 to 715/3 per KSN Law summary).
Independent second source · 2026-10-28Related guides
- All states: security deposit interest by state · rent increase rules by state
- Tools: deposit interest calculator · rent increase calculator
- Neighboring states: Indiana · Iowa
This page is information, not legal advice — see the full disclaimer.