Before evicting a tenant, a landlord must serve them a notice to quit and inform them of any lease violation they committed. The notice can be delivered in person (to the tenant or other occupant), by certified or registered mail, or by posting it on the door (if no one is at home).

• 5-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Payment
• 5-Day Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity
• 10-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Compliance
• 30-Day Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month Tenancy

If the tenant fails to comply with the demands of the notice to quit, the landlord can file an eviction suit. The landlord must complete a Complaint and Summons and attach a copy of the lease and an Affidavit of Service of a Demand or Notice.

Evictions are filed with the circuit court in the county where the property is located. Unless exempt, most landlords must file all the forms electronically on Illinois’ eFile website.

The clerk will set a hearing date and give the landlord copies of both forms. The landlord must ask the county sheriff’s office to serve the Complaint and Summons on the tenant.

Both landlord and tenant must appear before the judge on the hearing date. The landlord should come prepared with copies of the lease, Complaint, Summons, and notice to quit with proof of service. Statements and evidence from both parties will be presented to the judge for their consideration.

If the property is within Cook County, the tenant has the right to “pay and stay.” This means if they pay back the landlord all unpaid rent, court costs (not including attorney fees), and service costs, the eviction suit must be dropped.

If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, they will complete an Eviction Order demanding that the tenant vacate the premises (typically within 14-21 days). They also might be instructed to pay court costs and attorneys’ fees.

This document can be presented to the county sheriff by the landlord if the tenant does not move out by the listed date. The sheriff can then forcibly remove the tenant from the property so the landlord can regain possession.