Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

Which of the following actions could legally affect a tenant's security deposit?

1. Normal wear and tear

2. A documented breach of lease terms

3. Prompt payment of rent

4. Overall tenant behavior

The correct answer is: A documented breach of lease terms

The action that could legally affect a tenant's security deposit is a documented breach of lease terms. When tenants sign a lease agreement, they are entering into a legally binding contract which outlines specific responsibilities and obligations. If a tenant fails to adhere to these terms—say, by engaging in behavior that causes damage to the property or by not adhering to rules set forth in the lease—the landlord may have grounds to withhold part or all of the security deposit to cover the costs of rectifying the breach. In contrast, normal wear and tear is expected during a tenant's occupancy and typically shouldn’t be charged against the security deposit. Prompt payment of rent generally does not play a role in determining deductions from a security deposit, as it reflects compliance with payment obligations rather than damage or breach. Overall tenant behavior, while it may inform a landlord's decisions on renewals or evictions, does not directly correlate with specific financial consequences tied to the security deposit unless it results in a breach that is well-documented. Therefore, a documented breach of lease terms stands out as the condition that can legitimately impact a tenant's security deposit.