Understanding Eviction Trial: Enforcement of an Eviction Order

Eviction by the Sheriff

If a tenant goes to trial and the judge enters an order to evict the tenant, the judge will give the landlord a date when they can ask the Sheriff to enforce the eviction court order. The Sheriff can come out to enforce that court order any day after that date. It may take a few weeks for the Sheriff to come, and they won't tell the tenant when they will arrive. Sometimes, as a courtesy, the Sheriff’s office may send a letter to the tenant to let them know that they will be out soon.

• When the Sheriff comes (unannounced), they will bring the landlord to change the locks and escort the occupants out of the unit. New keys provided to the owner, and the tenant won't be allowed back in without the landlord’s permission.
• The landlord will usually hold on to personal property for up to a week to and then might get rid of the property.
• There are limited circumstances where the Sheriff will not proceed due to very severe risk to the occupant. 

To determine options, a Cook County tenant can contact the Community Resource hotline at 312-603-3337 and talk with a social worker. 

Eviction in Cold Weather

There are local rules in Cook County that protect tenants during cold weather. In Cook County, the Sheriff does not evict people when:

• The temperature is under 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or
• During severe weather conditions regardless of temperature
• During the winter break, which is generally around December 19 through January 4.

Check the Cook County Sheriff's website for the most up-to-date information.