Chicago’s Eviction Process

In Chicago, the eviction process starts with the landlord serving the tenant with a notice. These notices range from 5 to 30-days depending on the reason for eviction. If the tenant does not remedy the situation, the landlord may then file a complaint in court.

The court will then schedule a hearing. Currently these hearings are about 60 days from the file date, and both the landlord and the tenant may present their arguments. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, they may issue an order for eviction.

The eviction order may be enforced by posting a notice on the tenant’s door and removing the tenant if they have not voluntarily left within the specified time period.

Tenant Protections

It is important to note that there are tenant protections in place in Chicago, and landlords must follow proper legal procedures in order to carry out an eviction. Tenants who believe their eviction is not lawful may seek legal assistance, which can prolong the court procedures. 

A pro tip: If the owner sends the courts a 5 day notice and states in that email: “I want possession only (no money judgment)”, the court will reduce the court timeline by about two weeks and the clerk charges approximately $100 less in filing costs.