Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois
lease agreements
I recently informed the mangement that I would not be renewing my lease. She informs me that $150 will be dedected from my security deposit for a maintenance fee. I then looked over my lease agreement and that is not in my lease agreement. What is does say is that any damages to the apartment will be deducted from my security deposit. I have a feeling that if I fight this there wil be a $150 fee deducted for damages and not maintence. Either way they will find a way to collect the money they want. What should be my next step to fight this.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: lease agreements
They cannot deduct for anything but damages caused by you to the property. They have 30 days after you vacate to inform you in writing with receipts for anything they claim as damages. They then have another 15 days to refund the remainder. If they do nothing in this time, you have a right to sue - you will win your security deposit plus interest plus attorneys fees plus court costs. So, wait a while and see what happens. Then, if you don't get what's required by law, call an attorney.