Illinois Renters' Rights Enforced by Class Action

     The putative class consists of all similarly situated renters at a large 586-unit  apartment complex in Arlington Heights with six buildings.

     The Tenant gave a $500 security deposit and rented at the complex for 22 months.  All rent was paid and Tenant alleges the apartment was left in as good a condition as Tenant found it at move-in, ordinary wear and tear excepted. 

     After move-out Tenant was given a written statement by the landlord confirming that interest was not paid or credited until the Tenant moved out after 22 months. 

     Based on Landlord's own documentation, Tenant alleged the Landlord willfully failed or refused to pay security deposit interest within 30 days from the end of each 12-month rental period as required by the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act.  

     Tenant also alleged their security deposit was withheld after move-out for purported "Carpet Replacement" and "Kilz / Double Coat Paint" without provision by the landlord of paid receipts, in violation of the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.  Tenants in this case wrote the landlord a letter inquiring "can you send us receipts from the work you had done?" and still, Landlord allegedly refused to provide them.  Instead Landlord demanded money from Tenant in excess of the deposit and interest it refused to return.

     Tenant seeks damages equal to their full security deposit  under the Interest Act; equal to two-times their wrongfully withheld security deposit under the Return Act, and return of withheld deposit itself, for themselves and all other tenants who rented at the property after February 8, 2006.

     The case still pends.  If you have information about security deposit refunds or interest at Stonebridge Village in Arlington Heights, contact mark@depositlaw.com.