Illinois Eviction Timeline: Step-by-Step Process & Deadlines [2026]

Illinois requires landlords to serve a written 5-Day Notice demanding payment of past-due rent. The notice must state the amount of rent owed and give the tenant 5 days to pay in full or vacate. The notice can be served personally, by leaving with a household member age 13+, or by posting on the door and mailing. In Chicago, the RLTO (Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance) imposes additional requirements for notices.

• 5-day notice period for nonpayment of rent
• Must state the exact amount of rent owed
• Service: personal, substitute (household member 13+), or post and mail
• Tenant can cure by paying full rent within 5 days
• Chicago RLTO may impose additional notice requirements

After the 5-day notice expires without payment, the landlord files a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) complaint in the circuit court of the county where the property is located. Filing fees range from $237-$432 depending on the county and amount claimed. In Cook County (Chicago), cases are filed in the Eviction Court division. The complaint must be served on the tenant with a summons, giving at least 7 days' notice before the first court date.

• Filing fee: $237-$432 depending on county and amount claimed
• Filed in circuit court of the county where property is located
• Cook County has dedicated Eviction Court division
• Summons must be served at least 7 days before first court date
• Corporations and LLCs must be represented by an attorney in eviction proceedings

The court hearing is typically scheduled 14-30 days after filing. In Cook County, eviction cases often go through a mandatory initial court appearance where both parties can discuss settlement options. If the case is contested, it may be set for trial. Cook County also has a legal aid program providing attorneys for qualifying tenants. Chicago RLTO violations by the landlord can be raised as affirmative defenses.

• Hearing typically set 14-30 days after filing
• Cook County has mandatory initial court appearance
• Legal aid available for qualifying tenants in Cook County
• Tenant can raise RLTO violations as affirmative defenses in Chicago
• Judge may offer mediation before proceeding to trial
• Contested cases may require additional hearings

If the court rules for the landlord, a judgment for possession is entered. Illinois provides a right to redemption: the tenant can pay all rent owed plus court costs before the eviction order is executed to stay in the unit. In Cook County, the court may also impose a stay of execution giving the tenant additional time. The judgment includes possession, past-due rent, and court costs.

• Judgment includes possession, past-due rent, and court costs
• Right to redemption: tenant can pay all owed amounts to stay
• Court may grant stay of execution (additional time to vacate)
• Cook County courts frequently grant short stays
• Attorney fees may be awarded if lease provides for them

After judgment and after any stay period expires, the landlord obtains an Order of Possession. The sheriff schedules the eviction, which typically occurs 7-14 days after the order is issued. In Cook County, the sheriff posts a 7-day notice on the property before the physical eviction. The tenant must remove all belongings by the eviction date.

• Order of Possession obtained from court clerk
• Sheriff schedules eviction 7-14 days after order issued
• Cook County sheriff posts 7-day notice before eviction
• Tenant must remove belongings by eviction date
• Landlord can change locks after sheriff executes order