Illinois Eviction Notice Overview
Illinois requires a 10-day notice for lease violations under 735 ILCS 5/9-210. There is no 14-day notice period in Illinois eviction law. The Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act governs evictions, and cases are filed in the Circuit Court of the county where the property is located. Chicago and Cook County have additional tenant protections under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), which imposes stricter requirements than state law.
Illinois distinguishes between non-payment (5-day notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-209) and lease violations (10-day notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-210). The 10-day notice must describe the violation and demand that the tenant either cure or vacate within 10 days. Cook County (Chicago), DuPage County, Lake County, and Will County handle the highest eviction volumes. Chicago’s RLTO requires specific disclosures and provides tenants with additional remedies not available under state law, including the right to recover attorney fees for landlord violations.
10 Days
Statutory minimum
$224–$337
Circuit Court filing
Written
Notice required
5–8 Wks
Total process
Illinois Uses 10 Days for Lease Violations
Under 735 ILCS 5/9-210, when a tenant violates a provision of the lease, the landlord must serve a written 10-day notice demanding that the tenant cure the violation or vacate. Unlike some states, Illinois does not provide a shorter period for repeat violations—the 10-day period applies each time. If the tenant cures within 10 days, the landlord cannot proceed with eviction. Chicago landlords must also comply with the RLTO, which requires additional disclosures.
Illinois Notice Periods
10-day notice: Lease violations requiring cure or vacate (735 ILCS 5/9-210)
5-day notice: Non-payment of rent (735 ILCS 5/9-209)
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause (735 ILCS 5/9-207)
Chicago RLTO: Additional requirements for properties within Chicago city limits
Cook County RTLO: Cook County Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (effective 2024)
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Illinois
- Unauthorized pets violating lease no-pet clause
- Unauthorized occupants or subletting without landlord approval
- Excessive noise or disturbances documented by other tenants
- Failure to maintain the unit per lease terms
- Operating a business from residential premises
- Smoking in a non-smoking unit (including cannabis in Chicago)
Illinois Legal Requirements
Illinois courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Illinois requires all eviction notices in writing under 735 ILCS 5/9-210
- Specific Violation: Describe the lease violation with enough detail for the tenant to understand what must be corrected
- 10-Day Cure Period: State that the tenant has 10 days to cure the violation or surrender possession
- Demand for Possession: Include a clear demand that the tenant vacate if the violation is not cured
- Chicago RLTO Compliance: For Chicago properties, include all disclosures required by the RLTO including tenant rights summary
- Landlord Information: Include landlord name, address, and phone number
Serving the Notice in Illinois
Proper service is critical in Illinois. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. The 10-day period starts the next day. This is the preferred method in Illinois Circuit Court. Use a process server for documentation.
Substitute Service
If the tenant is not available, leave the notice with a person aged 13 or older at the tenant’s residence and mail a copy. Illinois requires both steps for valid substitute service.
Posting and Mailing
If no one is available at the residence, post the notice on the main entrance and mail a copy via certified mail. Add 5 days for mailing under Illinois law.
Illinois Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Illinois, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Illinois Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Illinois. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Filing Fee | $224 – $337 |
| Sheriff Service of Process | $60 – $100 |
| Eviction Order Execution | $60 – $125 |
| Attorney Fees (Chicago market) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| RLTO Violation Penalties (if applicable) | $100 – $500 per violation |
Sample Illinois Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Illinois-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under IL law.
10-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/9-210
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Illinois Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have ten (10) days from service of this notice to cure the above violation of your lease agreement. If you fail to cure within 10 days, your tenancy will be terminated and you must surrender possession of the premises. Failure to do so will result in forcible entry and detainer proceedings.