Move-in / move-out condition checklist (Chicago landlord)
Legal advice recommended before use.
The RLTO requires a written, itemized basis for any security-deposit deduction (Municipal Code of Chicago § 5-12-080). A dated, photographed condition checklist — done at both move-in and move-out — is your best evidence if a deduction is ever disputed, and supports the itemized statement you're required to send within 30 days of move-out if you're withholding any amount.
Fill it in
/ fields completedType your details on the left and watch the document fill in on the right — then download a completed PDF. Nothing is saved; it all stays in your browser.
This document uses aligned columns, so it always prints in typewriter spacing to keep them lined up.
Changes both the preview and the downloaded PDF.
This is a template, not legal advice. Chicago RLTO security-deposit rules (MCC §§ 5-12-080, 5-12-081) apply only to RLTO-covered units — confirm coverage and current requirements before relying on this checklist for a deduction decision.
Preview opens the real PDF in a new tab, with your details and font already applied — nothing is saved until you download or send it.
Email this PDF to me
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take photos at move-in and move-out in Chicago?
The RLTO does not impose a specific photo-documentation mandate by itself, but dated photos at both move-in and move-out are the strongest evidence you can create to support (or defend against) a deposit deduction under MCC § 5-12-080.
How long do I have to itemize deductions?
The City of Chicago's own published RLTO security-deposit guidance describes a 30-day deadline from move-out to send an itemized statement before deducting anything — confirm the current deadline against the city's current published guidance before relying on it.
Do I have to pay interest even if I'm also making deductions?
For RLTO-covered units held 6+ months, yes — interest is generally owed regardless of whether deductions are also being made; the two are calculated separately (deposit plus interest, minus lawful deductions).
What happens if I get this wrong?
The RLTO's security-deposit provisions carry real statutory-damages exposure (commonly described as two times the deposit, plus the tenant's attorney's fees) — confirm current penalty language before finalizing a disputed deduction.
Sign your Chicago lease online — free
Create a compliant Chicago lease and send it to your tenant to sign. Free for landlords.
Join the waitlist