Normal wear vs damage
Illinois deposit law expects a written itemization when you withhold. Each line should tie to actual cost or damage, not the slow scuffing that happens when someone lives in a unit.
- Wear: faded paint, minor carpet paths, small nail holes from pictures.
- Damage: burns, broken fixtures, unapproved holes, pet destruction beyond pet rent.
Move-in photos with room labels and dates help you explain the gap at move-out. Deposit Desk keeps room notes and deduction rows in one packet.
Not legal advice. Judges decide facts case by case.