My question involves personal property located in the State of: Illinois
My Fiance and I moved into a rental house. At the final walk through before moving in the landlord asked if we wanted some personal property left behind be the tenants. This included 2 tv's a safe and and some items in the garage. I actually remember him saying "Aren't you lucky the last people left you the safe?'.
During the course of our lease we felt we didn't really need the safe being as I already have one and the one they left took up a lot of closet space. We decided to get rid of it.
2 Months before the end of our lease the land lord surprised us with a 60 notice with intent to not renew the lease. They suddenly decided they wanted their son to move into the house.
They started to become a tad harassing and told us that any items we found in the house when we moved in belonged to them. I checked the lease and the safe is not listed as Landlord owned property like the rest of the non permanent fixtures or appliances. They are threatening my security deposit and legal action now.
What would be the best way to handle this? I would like to avoid court if I can but will do so if need be.
In reality I just want to live out the remainder of my lease and leave in peace. But it seems like they are going to try and throw a wrench in that.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

