Small claims court vs. landlord tenant court for security deposit fights

I had a landlord keep my $1800 deposit for carpet stains that were there when I moved in. First lawyer told me to file in small claims court. Second said go through landlord tenant court instead. Small claims took 4 months to even get a hearing date. Landlord tenant court had me in front of a judge in 3 weeks. Judge ordered the full amount back plus $600 in fees. If you want your money back fast in Chicago, skip small claims and file in the landlord tenant division at the Daley Center. Has anyone else had better luck with one route over the other?

3 comments

3 Comments

marybutler2d ago

Honestly, my friend tried small claims and the landlord just didn't show up twice.

the_holly2d ago

Small claims court might take longer in some places but it's still faster than people think in a lot of cities, just depends on the backlog. Landlord tenant court is definitely the better call for deposit fights though since those cases are designed to get you in front of a judge quick. The $600 in fees on top of your deposit is a nice bonus that proves the system can work when you pick the right court.

jordan_henderson132d ago

1800 bucks for carpet stains and you're out here writing a whole strategy guide about which court to use. Feels like a lot of effort for a deposit most landlords would just fight you on anyway. I get it's the principle of the thing but 4 months vs 3 weeks still sounds like a win either way if you actually got the money. Most people just move on and eat the loss.