Illinois Move-Out Cleaning Standards: A Renter’s Guide

Moving out of your Illinois rental? Ensuring your apartment or house meets move-out cleaning standards is critical for a smooth inspection and deposit return. This guide, written for Illinois renters, lays out the essential information, legal requirements, helpful steps, and official resources you need to confidently prepare for your move-out inspection. Understanding your responsibilities can help you avoid disputes and get your security deposit back faster.

What Are Move-Out Cleaning Standards in Illinois?

Illinois law requires renters to leave their rental in "broom clean" condition, meaning the unit should be reasonably clean, free of trash, and with personal belongings removed.^[1] While there is no strict statute spelling out every detail, most leases and the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act set expectations for cleanliness as part of returning your deposit.^[2]

• Remove all personal belongings from the home
• Sweep or vacuum floors, including under appliances (if accessible)
• Wipe counters, sinks, and surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms
• Empty and clean the refrigerator and oven (if your responsibility)
• Take out all trash and garbage
• Dust window sills and baseboards

Remember, you are not responsible for "normal wear and tear," such as faded paint or minor carpet wear from regular use. You can review a sample apartment move-out cleaning checklist on the City of Chicago Department of Housing: Renter Rights page.

How Move-Out Inspections Work in Illinois

Move-out inspections document the condition of your rental at the end of the lease. In Chicago and some cities, landlords must perform this inspection using reasonable standards and provide an itemized list if any deductions are taken from your security deposit.^[3]

• Landlord or their agent inspects the unit after you move out
• Any cleaning costs deducted from your deposit must be stated in writing
• You have the right to request a walk-through or to be present (check your city’s local ordinances)
• Landlords cannot deduct for ordinary wear and tear—only cleaning beyond “broom clean”

For Chicago renters, requirements are stricter: Landlords must return your deposit or send a written itemized deduction notice within 30 days. Throughout Illinois, you have a right to an explanation of cleaning deductions. You can learn more about this through the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).

Key Tips for a Smooth Move-Out Inspection

• Take photos or videos before leaving as proof of cleanliness
• Use a checklist—compare it with your original move-in condition form
• Ask your landlord if you can participate in the final inspection
• Keep copies of all notices and cleaning receipts

Official Forms for Illinois Rental Move-Out

• Security Deposit Return Request: There is no standard statewide form, but you can send a written letter requesting the return of your deposit after the move-out inspection. Include your forwarding address and request an itemized list of deductions, if any are made. See sample templates available through the Illinois Attorney General’s Renter’s Rights page.
• Chicago Move-In/Move-Out Checklist (no standard number): Required by some local ordinances for documenting unit condition. Complete with your landlord at move-in and move-out. For details, visit the City of Chicago RLTO Landlord Responsibilities.

Sample Scenario: If your landlord claims you left the unit dirty but you documented cleanliness and properly filled out a checklist, you can reference this alongside your move-in checklist to challenge any unfair claim. If you were not given a move-in checklist, documenting with photos or video at move-out can serve as evidence if a dispute arises.

What If There Is a Dispute Over Cleaning or Deposit Returns?

If you and your landlord disagree, Illinois renters can seek resolution through local Small Claims Court. In Chicago, tenants may find further support through the City of Chicago Department of Housing. Before filing a claim, it’s best to communicate in writing and allow your landlord to respond.

• Gather all documentation (photos, checklists, correspondence)
• Send written requests for deposit returns or deduction explanations
• If unresolved, you may file in Small Claims Court—see steps below

Relevant Tribunal/Board

Residential tenancy disputes in Illinois, including deposit and cleaning concerns, are generally handled by local Illinois Circuit Courts in the Small Claims division.

Key Takeaway: Always document your cleaning efforts and communicate promptly with your landlord regarding move-out standards. This helps avoid misunderstandings and protects your security deposit.

Illinois Move-Out Cleaning FAQ

1. What does "broom clean" mean when moving out in Illinois?
   It means removing all personal belongings, sweeping floors, wiping surfaces, and taking out trash so the home is left reasonably clean for the next tenant.
2. Can a landlord charge for cleaning if the unit is already clean?
   No, landlords in Illinois cannot deduct from your security deposit for normal wear and tear or if the unit meets reasonable cleaning standards at move-out.
3. What if I disagree with cleaning charges deducted from my deposit?
   Request an itemized list in writing. If you still disagree, you may file a claim in Small Claims Court with your evidence.
4. Is there a required move-out inspection form in Illinois?
   No statewide form exists, but Chicago and other local areas may have required checklists or move-in/move-out documentation to help protect both parties.
5. How long does a landlord have to return my deposit after moving out?
   Statewide, landlords have 45 days to return your deposit (and 30 days in Chicago) or to send a written itemized list of deductions.

Key Takeaways for Illinois Renters

• Clean your unit to "broom clean" standards: clear, swept, and empty of trash and belongings
• Document everything and communicate in writing for your records
• Dispute cleaning charges with evidence—use checklists, photos, and official resources if needed

By understanding and meeting Illinois move-out cleaning standards, you can make moving less stressful and improve your chances of getting your security deposit back without delay.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Attorney General: Renters’ Rights
• City of Chicago Department of Housing – Renter Rights
• Illinois Circuit Court (Small Claims – Residential Tenancy Disputes)
• Illinois Security Deposit Return Act
• For legal assistance, contact local legal aid or Illinois Legal Aid Online

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1. "Broom clean" condition is referenced in standard Illinois lease practices; see the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.
2. See official text of Illinois Security Deposit Return Act – 765 ILCS 710.
3. Official move-out and deposit return timelines for Chicago per RLTO Landlord Responsibilities.

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