Understanding the Eviction Process in Illinois
Each county in Illinois has different quirks and the court may have a different process. Don't hesitate to reach out to the local legal aid organization: Land of Lincoln (southern Illinois) or Prairie State Legal Services (northern Illinois).
The eviction process involves the following steps:
- Landlord gives an eviction notice through the proper way.
- If the tenant still has not paid what they owe, fixed the lease violation, or moved out after the time in the notice, the landlord can start an eviction case.
- The first court date may be scheduled about 2-3 weeks after the landlord files the case. The tenant needs to be served.
- Depending on the county, the first court date might be the trial. Or there may be a second court date scheduled for trial about 1-2 weeks later.
- For some tips on how to prepare for court, click here.
- If a tenant wants a trial with a jury, they have to file papers before the first court date (an Appearance with a Jury Demand and potentially Fee Waiver).
- If a tenant does not file these documents, then the tenant will be transferred to a bench trial room with just a judge.
- Illinois Court Help can help with filing documents online (call or text 833-411-1121). Or the tenant can visit the courthouse.
- If the tenant loses the trial, the Sheriff will enforce the eviction. Depending on the county, the Sheriff may come out within 2-7 days after trial.
NOTE: A landlord may show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers while there is an ongoing eviction case.
The above article provides information about legal issues but is not the same as legal advice. Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific situation. The information in this article does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. Law Center for Better Housing cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information in this article and is not responsible for any consequences that may result from using it. You should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure the information in this article is appropriate for your specific situation. Using the information in this article does not create a relationship between Law Center for Better Housing and you as your attorney.