I have some experience in Real Estate where my husband and I purchased and landlorded 6 rentals from 2003-2005.

I don't know if they are just compulsive liars, or if they figure most landlords just won't check.

Be sure also to fully read up on the Chicago Landlord Tenant Ordinance.

Also, you get to learn the ropes on what it takes to be a landlord.

My buyer is a landlord in the market.

But, a few things to know:First, I've noticed that most landlords buy carpet that is light brown in color.

If the landlord makes the claim, they still get the full amount of what the security deposit would have been.

I often joke that someday I will write my "memoirs" about all of my adventures in real estate/landlording!

Sometimes new landlords price their rentals high thinking they will get an extra good tenant.

I figure that if there's a dispute over charges to the tenant's deposit later on, the certified letter as well as earlier emails on the subject would satisfy a judge that the tenant had delayed submitting the checklist long enough to undermine its validity.The tenant's delay then actually would seem to work to the advantage of the landlord.