What can happen if a landlord fails to return a security deposit as required by law?

If a landlord fails to return a security deposit as required by law, they may have to pay double damages to the tenant. Under Illinois law, if a landlord does not comply with the provisions regarding the return of security deposits—such as failing to return it within the required timeframe or not providing the proper itemized statement of deductions—the tenant is entitled to seek recovery of the deposit. In certain cases, the law allows the tenant to recover not only the amount of the security deposit but also additional damages that can amount to double the withheld amount. This serves as a strong incentive for landlords to comply with the regulations concerning security deposits and protects tenants' rights.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal repercussions for landlords. For instance, while criminal charges could theoretically be possible depending on the specific actions taken by the landlord, they are not the standard consequence of simply failing to return a security deposit. Immediate eviction is not permissible as a response to the failure to return a deposit, and landlords are not allowed to keep the deposit indefinitely, as they must adhere to the legal stipulations regarding its return.