Free Chicago Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (RLTO)
A room-by-room move-in and move-out condition checklist for Chicago rentals under the RLTO. Document the unit at move-in and again at move-out, then download a signable multi-page PDF. Under Chicago Municipal Code 5-12-080 the deposit must be returned within 45 days, and this record is how you protect it.
A Chicago move-in / move-out checklist is a room-by-room record of a rental unit’s condition at the start and end of a tenancy, used to settle the security deposit fairly under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Under Chicago Municipal Code Section 5-12-080, a landlord must return the security deposit and any interest within 45 days after the tenant vacates, and must deliver an itemized statement of any damage deductions within 30 days. Routine cleaning and ordinary wear and tear are generally not chargeable. A checklist that both parties sign at move-in, repeat at move-out, and back with time-stamped photos is the single strongest piece of evidence in a Chicago deposit dispute.
Chicago RLTO Deposit Rules at a Glance
Deposit Return
Within 45 Days
Itemized Statement
Within 30 Days
Deposit Interest
Paid Annually
Governing Law
RLTO 5-12-080
Ordinary Wear and Tear vs. Chargeable Damage — the Critical Distinction
Ordinary wear and tear is NOT chargeable against the deposit under the RLTO, and neither is routine cleaning to ready the unit for the next tenant. Faded paint, minor carpet wear in traffic lanes, small nail holes, and light scuffing are wear and tear. Damage beyond ordinary use IS chargeable: stains, holes larger than one inch, broken fixtures, pet damage, and smoke damage. Mark both the move-in condition and the move-out condition on the checklist and photograph everything, so the distinction is provable if a deduction is contested.
How to Use the Checklist to Protect Your Deposit
1. Complete the move-in walkthrough before keys change hands
Walk the unit together at or before move-in, mark the condition of every surface, appliance, and fixture, and note any pre-existing damage. Take time-stamped photos of each room. Under the RLTO this record is the tenant’s proof of the unit’s starting condition.
2. Both parties sign and keep a copy
Have the landlord and every tenant sign and date the move-in checklist, and each side keeps a signed copy. A signed, dated checklist is far stronger evidence than a one-sided form filled out by only one party.
3. Do a final move-out walkthrough
On or right after the day the tenant vacates, repeat the same room-by-room walk, mark the move-out condition next to the move-in condition, and photograph everything again. Confirm all keys, remotes, and access devices are returned.
4. Separate ordinary wear and tear from chargeable damage
Compare the two columns. Ordinary wear and tear and routine cleaning are not chargeable under the RLTO; only damage beyond normal use may be deducted, and only with an itemized statement and receipts.
5. Track the RLTO deposit deadlines
A Chicago landlord must return the deposit and any interest within 45 days after the tenant vacates. If any amount is withheld for damage, an itemized statement of damages is due within 30 days, followed by paid receipts.
6. Retain the signed record and receipts
Keep the signed move-in and move-out checklist, all room photos, and any repair receipts. The record supports or defends any deposit deduction and any RLTO claim brought in Cook County Circuit Court.
Build Your Checklist
Complete the fields below to generate a room-by-room Chicago move-in / move-out checklist as a multi-page PDF. Walk the unit with the other party where possible, mark the condition at move-in, repeat the walk at move-out, and take time-stamped photos of every room. The checklist is strongest when both parties sign and photos are attached. If you are also placing a new renter, pair it with a thorough move-in condition report and keep a copy alongside your security deposit itemization at move-out.