What counts as normal wear and tear in Illinois?
Illinois courts generally distinguish wear and tear (not deductible) from damage (deductible). Wear and tear includes: minor scuffs and nail holes, faded paint, worn carpet pile, loose grout, lightly worn appliance handles, and routine cleaning to a reasonable level. Damage includes: holes larger than a small nail, broken windows or fixtures, deep stains in carpet, smoke or pet odor requiring full cleaning, missing or destroyed appliances, and any modification not approved. The line is fuzzy in close cases. Up to 2x the deposit amount if the landlord acts in bad faith under 765 ILCS 710. Illinois small-claims judges typically read close cases against the landlord.
Source: 765 ILCS 710
This is an informational answer based on 765 ILCS 710 as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Illinois-licensed attorney.