Illinois: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 9 topic we track for Illinois on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Illinois compares.

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Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Property division · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Security deposit rules · Eviction notice rules · Property tax rates

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Property damage	5 years

Claim deadlines Single detailed source

Acknowledge	15 working days
Accept or deny	No fixed deadline; written explanation if still open after 75 days
Pay	Undisputed amount within 30 days after accepting the claim

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000
Filing fee	Varies by county
Lawyers	Allowed; corporations need one

Property division

System	Equitable distribution
Opt-in community property	No

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	Strict liability
Details	Strict liability

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Security deposit rules Single detailed source

Maximum deposit	No state limit
Return deadline	30 days for an itemized statement; 45 days to return

Eviction notice rules Single detailed source

Notice before filing	5 days to pay

Property tax rates

Effective rate	1.88%
On a $300,000 home	$5,640 a year