Eviction Laws in Illinois
Non-payment of rent eviction in Illinois
When a tenant falls behind on rent in Illinois, the landlord must first serve a 5-day pay-or-quit notice. This gives the tenant 5 days to either pay the full amount owed or vacate. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit — called an unlawful detainer or summary possession action — in Illinois court.
A court order is required before any lockout. The landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove the tenant's belongings before winning a judgment.
Lease violation eviction in Illinois
For non-payment lease violations — unauthorized pets, excess occupants, noise complaints, property damage — the landlord must give 10 days notice. The tenant has 10 days to cure (fix) the violation. If corrected within that window, the tenancy continues. If not cured, the landlord may proceed with filing.
Terminating month-to-month tenancy in Illinois
To end a month-to-month rental agreement without cause, the landlord must give 30 days written notice. The tenant must give the same 30-day notice to end the tenancy.
Important Illinois eviction details
Illinois: 5-day pay-or-quit notice for non-payment. 10-day cure notice for lease violations. Chicago's RLTO (Chicago Mun. Code § 5-12) imposes additional protections including just-cause requirements and relocation assistance. State law preempts local rent control outside Chicago.
What counts as an illegal eviction in Illinois?
In Illinois, a landlord who attempts to evict a tenant without following the legal process commits an illegal (self-help) eviction. This includes:
- Changing the locks without a court order
- Removing doors, windows, or the tenant's belongings
- Shutting off utilities (electricity, water, heat)
- Harassment designed to pressure the tenant to leave
Self-help evictions are prohibited in all 50 states and DC. Tenants who experience an illegal lockout can typically seek emergency relief from a court and may be entitled to damages.