If you are reading this, chances are you are "one in four landlords who've lost rental income because of the pandemic." We get that you have backed up mortgage payments and property taxes. But rushing the eviction process in Illinois can lead to you being sued.

By the way, a Chicago tenant now has five years to sue you over an illegal eviction. So, why risk having to pay a tenant that hasn't been paying you? Even if you have a Chicago tenant from hell, they still have rights. 

You've already suffered through two years with the eviction moratorium. So, you can spare five minutes to learn how the eviction process in Illinois works. This guide also lays out the groundwork for properly terminating a lease.

Understanding the Eviction Process in Illinois 

If your tenant owes back rent, resist the temptation of locking them out. Illinois eviction courts consider this an illegal eviction. And your tenant can legally sue you. Only authorized law officials can remove tenants from your property. 

Evicting tenants illegally might have you paying them monthly damages plus utilities." Here are the criteria to legally begin the eviction process in Illinois. 

• Overdue rent
• Rental terms violations
• The natural end of the lease 
• Foreclosure
• Crime or illegalities

The eviction process in Illinois can take "two weeks to five months." 

Past Due Rent

Illinois law requires landlords to give tenants at least five days' notice to pay rent. Afterward, property owners can start the eviction process. By the way, you can learn more about our rent collecting services. 

Rental Terms Violations

Landlords in the Chicagoland area can evict tenants if they violate the rental terms. Illinois eviction courts permit landlords to evict renters after ten days. But, first, you must give them a "Ten-Day Notice to Quit." 

End of a Lease

When a Chicago tenant's lease agreement naturally expires, you can begin the eviction process. You don't have to give notice or go through eviction courts. 

Monthly rental agreements operate differently. First, you must give your tenant thirty days' notice. Afterward, property owners can begin kicking out a tenant. 

The exception is multi-year lease agreements. In this case, you must give your tenants a 60-Day Notice to Quit. Property owners can learn more about tenants' rights through the residents faq section. 

Evictions from Foreclosure 

In the case of a rental property's foreclosure, tenants still have rights. Property owners must give their Chicago tenants a 90 Day Notice to Vacate. 

Evictions Because of Crime 

Illinois eviction courts allow you to end a lease if a crime occurs on the property. The caveat is that these crimes must be class X felonies. Examples of class x felonies are:

• Home burglaries
• Arson
• Robbery

You must issue a 5-Day Notice to Quit to their tenants. But, you must first have probable cause to begin this eviction process. 

More on the Eviction Process in Illinois 

Cash-strapped landlords are finally able to start the eviction process in Illinois. We know that kicking out a tenant is stressful and time-consuming. 

Since 2003 we have delivered professional property management services for Chicagoland landlords. So please, contact us if you need further information about the eviction process. 

We also provide tenant screening and leasing services. If you prefer to handle daily property operations, that's fine. We can manage those lease agreements on your behalf.