Illinois Eviction Notice Overview
Illinois does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Under 735 ILCS 5/9-209, landlords must give a 5-day noticefor non-payment of rent. For lease violations, a 10-day notice is required under 735 ILCS 5/9-210. Illinois eviction cases (called 'forcible entry and detainer') are filed in Circuit Court. Chicago and Cook County have additional tenant protections under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).
Illinois eviction law is governed by the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.) and, for Chicago properties, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Cook County adopted the Residential Tenant Eviction Protection Ordinance in 2021 providing right to counsel for qualifying tenants. Illinois has 102 counties with Circuit Courts. Cook County (Chicago) handles the highest volume, with a dedicated eviction court call at the Richard J. Daley Center.
5 Days
Notice period
$200-$350
Filing fee
IL Code
Governing law
Circuit
Court level
Why Illinois Uses 5 Days, Not 7
Important: Illinois Uses a 5-Day Notice, Not 7
Illinois requires a 5-day notice for non-payment under 735 ILCS 5/9-209. Chicago has additional requirements under the RLTO including mandatory disclosures and specific notice formats. Cook County's 2021 ordinance added a right to legal representation for qualifying tenants. Using a 7-day notice would not match the Illinois statutory requirement.
Illinois Notice Periods at a Glance
- 5-Day Notice — Non-Payment (735 ILCS 5/9-209): Tenant has 5 days to pay all rent owed or vacate
- 10-Day Notice — Lease Violations (735 ILCS 5/9-210): Tenant has 10 days to cure a material breach of the lease
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (735 ILCS 5/9-207): Either party must give 30 days notice to terminate
- Chicago RLTO — Additional Requirements: Properties in Chicago must include specific RLTO disclosures in eviction notices
Illinois Notice Requirements
Illinois courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 5 days for non-payment as required by Illinois law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Illinois
Illinois law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Service
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person. Preferred by Illinois courts and starts the 5-day period immediately. Bring a witness for proof.
Substitute Service
Leave with a person of at least 13 years of age at the tenant's dwelling and simultaneously mail a copy to the tenant's address.
Posting and Mailing
Post on the main entry door of the premises and mail a copy. Used when the tenant is not available for personal or substitute service.
Document Service
Prepare an affidavit of service documenting the date, time, and method. Illinois Circuit Courts require this documentation when filing the forcible entry and detainer complaint.
Illinois Eviction Timeline
The Illinois eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 5-day notice for non-payment per 735 ILCS 5/9-209
If tenant has not paid, file forcible entry and detainer complaint in Circuit Court
Court serves summons; return date set at least 7 days from service
Trial held; if landlord prevails, judgment for possession entered
Eviction order issued; sheriff enforces physical removal of the tenant
Uncontested Illinois evictions typically take 5-8 weeks. Cook County (Chicago) often has longer wait times with cases taking 6-12 weeks. Contested cases can take 3-6 months. Cook County has a mandatory mediation program for eviction cases. Statewide, courts have discretion to grant continuances that extend timelines.
Illinois Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Illinois Circuit Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Filing Fee | $200 - $350 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $75 |
| Eviction Order Enforcement | $50 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $800 - $3,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $250 - $500 |
Sample Illinois Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Illinois-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of 735 ILCS 5/9-209.
5-DAY NOTICE — DEMAND FOR RENT
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/9-209
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Illinois Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You are hereby notified that there is now due the undersigned landlord the sum of $[Amount] for rent and use and occupancy of the premises at [Address]. You are further notified that the undersigned demands payment of said amount within FIVE (5) DAYS or that you vacate the premises.
ILLINOIS COMPLIANCE NOTE
Illinois requires a 5-day notice for non-payment of rent (735 ILCS 5/9-209), not 7 days. Chicago properties must also comply with the RLTO including required disclosures. Cook County has additional tenant protection requirements enacted in 2021.