Halpin Passes Bill Protecting Renters from Excessive Repair Costs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure introduced by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, to prevent landlords from overcharging for repairs passed the House with bipartisan support on Thursday.

“If a landlord or management company is not acting in good faith, tenants run the risk of having deductions taken from their security deposit for normal wear and tear,” Halpin said. “This legislation helps ensure that renters are not on the hook after normal and regular use of the property.”

Under current law, landlords are permitted to include in a lease specific amounts that will be withheld from a tenant’s security deposit for certain damage. Halpin’s legislation requires these amounts to be only for damage that goes beyond expected, normal wear and tear. The amounts must also be reasonable to return the apartment to its original condition.

“Landlords absolutely deserve to receive fair compensation for actual damages to a rental unit,” said Halpin. “However, if they are overcharging for repairs or holding on to a security deposit to renovate the unit after a tenant moves out, there need to be safeguards in place to protect the tenant.”