Understanding Sealing: How Long Does an Eviction Stay on the Public Record?

In Illinois, once a landlord files an eviction, it stays on the tenant’s public record forever. It doesn't go away unless a judge says it can be sealed. The public record is not like a credit report. Bad things on a credit report might disappear after seven years, but not with the public record.

To take it off the public record, the tenant has to file a motion to seal. Click here for more information about that process.