Illinois 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Illinois Does Not Use 3-Day Notices
Illinois requires a 5 Days notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-209. A 3-day notice is not valid in Illinois.
Illinois landlord-tenant law is governed by multiple statutes including the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.) and the landlord-tenant provisions in 765 ILCS. Chicago landlords must also comply with the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), which has stricter requirements. The 5-day notice applies statewide, but Chicago requires specific disclosures and service methods.
5 Days
Notice period
$50-$271
Filing fee
735
Governing law
3-6 Wks
Court process
Illinois's Actual Notice Period
Illinois requires a 5 days notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-209. Using the wrong notice period is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in Circuit Court.
5 Days Notice (735 ILCS 5/9-209)
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant the required time to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
Illinois Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under Illinois law
- Rent Amount: State the exact dollar amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow 5 days for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the complete rental property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants named on the lease agreement
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under Illinois law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Illinois
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
If personal delivery fails, post the notice on the door and mail a copy by certified or first-class mail
Wait the Full Notice Period
Allow the full 5 days to pass. The day of service does not count as day one
File in Circuit Court
After the notice period expires without payment, file the eviction complaint with proof of service
Illinois Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in Circuit Court. The court issues a summons and schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ.
Total timeline from initial notice to physical removal is typically 3-6 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases with defenses, counterclaims, or appeals can add several weeks to the process.
Illinois Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $50-$271 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample Illinois Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Illinois-compliant notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-209.
5 DAYS NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/9-209
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, IL ZIP]
RENT DUE:
$[Amount] for [Period]
ILLINOIS COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with 735 ILCS 5/9-209 requiring a 5 Days notice period.