Illinois 60-Day Notice Overview
Illinois default notice period for terminating a month-to-month tenancy is 30 days under 735 ILCS 5/9-207. However, the landscape changes significantly within Chicago city limits. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO, Municipal Code 5-12) requires landlords to provide 60 days written notice to tenants who have resided in the unit for three or more years. For tenants with less than three years occupancy, the Chicago RLTO requires 30 days. This tiered system makes Chicago one of the most tenant-protective jurisdictions in the Midwest.
Outside of Chicago, Cook County adopted its own Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance in 2021, which extends similar protections to unincorporated Cook County. Other Illinois municipalities such as Evanston, Oak Park, and Urbana have also enacted local tenant protection ordinances. Landlords must determine which ordinance applies to their property based on its specific location. Using a 60-day notice when only 30 is required is never a problem, but using 30 when 60 is required will invalidate the notice.
30 Days
Statutory default
$50-$282
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
3-6 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Illinois
Understanding when a 60-day notice is required versus the standard notice period is critical for Illinois landlords.
Chicago Tenants with 3+ Years Occupancy
Under the Chicago RLTO, tenants who have continuously occupied a rental unit for three or more years are entitled to 60 days written notice before termination. This applies to both lease non-renewals and month-to-month terminations within Chicago city limits.
Cook County RTLO Properties
Properties in unincorporated Cook County are subject to the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance, which mirrors many Chicago RLTO provisions including extended notice periods for long-term tenants. Verify whether your property falls within Chicago, a Cook County suburb, or unincorporated Cook County.
Lease Clause or Subsidized Housing
Many Illinois leases include a 60-day non-renewal clause regardless of location. Federal Section 8 and Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) subsidized housing programs often require 60 or 90 days notice before termination. Always review the lease terms and any applicable subsidy contract.
Illinois Legal Requirements
Illinois landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices.
Chicago RLTO Compliance
Properties within Chicago city limits are subject to the RLTO (Municipal Code 5-12), which imposes requirements beyond state law. Chicago landlords must attach a copy of the RLTO summary to all leases and termination notices. Failure to provide the RLTO summary can result in the notice being deemed invalid. The RLTO also prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise rights under the ordinance, and violations can result in damages of one to two months rent.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: Illinois requires written notice for all tenancy terminations under 735 ILCS 5/9-207. Oral notice is not legally sufficient
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address with unit number. For Chicago properties, reference the RLTO
- Termination Date: Specify the exact date of termination, which must be at least 60 days from service and should align with the rent payment date
- RLTO Summary (Chicago): Chicago landlords must attach a copy of the RLTO summary to the termination notice. Failure to do so can invalidate the notice
- Landlord Contact: Include the name, address, and telephone number of the landlord or property manager as required for service of process
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Illinois
Proper service ensures your notice will be upheld in Illinois courts.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using an Illinois-specific template. For Chicago properties, include the RLTO summary attachment and reference Municipal Code 5-12
Personal Service (Preferred)
Hand-deliver the notice to the tenant at the rental premises. Have a witness present to confirm delivery date and method
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested to the tenant at the rental address. The 60-day period starts upon receipt
Document Service Carefully
Complete a written proof of service recording the date, time, method, and witness. Keep all postal receipts and return cards
File Eviction if Needed
If the tenant remains after 60 days, file a forcible entry and detainer complaint in the Circuit Court of the county where the property is located
Illinois Eviction Timeline
Illinois evictions are handled through forcible entry and detainer actions filed in Circuit Court. After the notice period expires, the landlord files a complaint and the tenant is served with a summons. The tenant has 7 days to file an appearance (or 30 days if served by publication).
A trial date is typically set within 14 to 21 days of the tenant\'s appearance. Illinois forcible entry and detainer is a summary proceeding with expedited scheduling. If the landlord prevails, a judgment for possession is entered, and the court issues an order of possession.
The sheriff enforces the order of possession, typically posting a notice and returning 24 to 48 hours later for the physical lockout. In Cook County, sheriff eviction scheduling can take 3 to 4 weeks due to high volume. Total court process is 3 to 6 weeks for uncontested cases. Combined with 60-day notice, the full timeline is 11 to 15 weeks.
Illinois Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Illinois vary by county and court type.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Filing Fee | $50 - $282 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $3,000 |
| Order of Possession | $25 - $60 |
| Sheriff Enforcement (Cook Co.) | $60 - $300 |
Sample Illinois 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Illinois-specific 60-day termination notice.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/9-207
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Illinois Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy will terminate on [Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
ILLINOIS COMPLIANCE NOTE
This notice complies with Illinois state law. [For Chicago properties: A copy of the Chicago RLTO Summary is attached as required by Municipal Code 5-12.]