Security Deposit Return- PLEASE HELP!!!

[Ebony M Marshall]

I am a tenant living in Chicago. I lived in an owner-occupied building with 2 total units.  I moved out March 30, 2024 and just recently received a letter from the landlord (54 days later) with deductions  and reasons of not returning.  Some repairs included, walls to be repainted (I caulked the holes from mounting tvs), garbage was on the ground in the in the alley, furniture was on the ground in the alley.  I informed her the same day that when I put out my garbage a man went dumpster diving as no garbage was left in the home.  She speak of having to clean the carpet because there was a juice stain on it.  I lived there since 11/1/2021 to 3/30/24.  She also received extra money from Illinois Housing for a month I was no longer living there.  The owner-occupied portion makes things difficult, what options do I have? 

[Nathan Gesner]

Write a letter to your landlord appealing the charges. Provide any documentation or pictures you have as evidence. Ask them to be reasonable and adjust the charges based on the evidence you've provided. There's a very good chance they will not make any changes.

Then your next option is to sue them in small claims court. The judge will determine his decision based on evidence. If you have evidence, you may win. If you have none, there's a very good chance the landlord will win.

I recommend taking the first step. Court is only recommended if you have a strong case, the time to put it together, and the dollar amount is significant enough to make it worth your time.