Eviction Timeline Illinois

Illinois eviction timeline at a glance

A typical Illinois nonpayment eviction (forcible entry and detainer) runs 30 to 60 days from notice to writ of possession. The nonpayment notice period is 5 days under 735 ILCS 5/9-209. Court process commonly adds 21 to 45 days. Cook County (Chicago) tends to run longer due to court calendar volume and tenant-protection programs.

The three phases of an Illinois eviction

Notice phase: serve a 5-day notice to pay or vacate (or appropriate notice for other grounds). Filing phase: file the eviction complaint in circuit court in the county where the property is located. Court phase: hearing scheduled, typically 20 to 45 days out, judgment, and sheriff-served writ of possession typically within 7 to 21 days of judgment.

Cook County-specific considerations

Cook County (Chicago) eviction cases routinely take 60 to 120 days due to court calendar volume, mandatory mediation programs, and tenant right-to-counsel for low-income tenants in some cases. The Chicago Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance adds procedural requirements for certain terminations.

Illinois-specific eviction rules worth knowing

Illinois requires written notice in a specific form. Errors in the notice (incorrect amount, wrong tenant name, missed service) are the most common reason cases get dismissed and have to be restarted. The 5-day notice can be served personally, by certified mail, or by posting on the premises if the tenant cannot be located. Be sure to also check your maximum late fee before including late charges in the demand amount.

Worked example: $1,400/month nonpayment eviction in Illinois

Your tenant at a Springfield rental ($1,400/month) misses April rent. On April 5, you serve a 5-day notice to pay or vacate. The notice expires April 10. The tenant does not pay or vacate. On April 11, you file the forcible entry and detainer complaint in Sangamon County Circuit Court. The court schedules a hearing for May 5 (24 days after filing). Judgment is entered in your favor. The sheriff posts the writ of possession on May 15. Total elapsed time from notice: roughly 40 days. In Cook County (Chicago), expect 60 to 120 days due to heavier court calendars and mandatory mediation programs.

What experienced landlords do differently

• Dual service method. Serve notice by certified mail AND posting on the door. If the case goes to court, dual service eliminates the "I never got it" defense.
• Cash-for-keys math. Before filing, consider a direct conversation or a cash-for-keys offer. A $500 move-out incentive often costs less than 4-6 weeks of lost rent plus court fees ($200-400).
• Document from day one. A text thread confirming the tenant received the notice is admissible in most jurisdictions and costs nothing. Save every communication.

Related Illinois compliance tools

Landlords in Illinois deal with more than eviction timelines. These free calculators cover the other compliance deadlines you need to track:

• Illinois Maximum Late Fee Calculator — Calculate the highest late fee your lease can enforce
• Illinois Rent Increase Notice Calculator — Find the required notice period for your planned increase
• Illinois Security Deposit Return Deadline — Know exactly when the deposit must be returned

See all property management tools for investment, financing, and operations calculators.

Frequently asked questions about Illinois eviction timelines

Can I speed up the eviction process?

Not through the courts, but you can avoid common delays. Serve notice correctly the first time (errors reset the clock). File your complaint the day after the notice period expires. Bring complete documentation to the hearing: lease, payment records, notice with proof of service. Judges grant continuances when paperwork is incomplete.

How many days notice is required to evict for nonpayment in Illinois?

Five days under 735 ILCS 5/9-209. The notice must specify the exact amount owed and demand payment in full or surrender of possession.

What is the notice period for month-to-month termination in Illinois?

30 days under 735 ILCS 5/9-207. The notice must be in writing and delivered before the start of the next rent period when termination would take effect.

What is the Chicago Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance?

A Chicago ordinance that requires landlords to have just cause (specific enumerated grounds) for terminating certain tenancies. The ordinance adds procedural requirements and may extend eviction timelines for Chicago rentals. Confirm applicability for your specific tenancy.

What court hears Illinois eviction cases?

Circuit court in the county where the property is located. For Chicago, the Forcible Entry and Detainer division of Cook County Circuit Court. Filing fees run $250 to $400 depending on county.