Illinois Eviction Laws
Illinois requires landlords to make a written 5-day demand for rent before filing an eviction action for nonpayment, and 10 days to cure other lease violations.
Key Rules
- Notice Period
- 30 days for month-to-month tenancy
- Just Cause Required
- No statewide just-cause requirement (Chicago RLTO has additional protections)
- Cure Or Quit Period
- 10 days to cure lease violations
- Non Payment Notice
- 5 days written demand for rent before filing eviction
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Demand for rent: landlord must make demand in writing for rent due before filing an eviction action for nonpayment. Tenant has 5 days after demand to pay rent.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“(735 ILCS 5/9-209) (from Ch. 110, par. 9-209) Sec. 9-209. Demand for rent - eviction action. A landlord or his or her agent may, any time after rent is due, demand pay…”
Notice to terminate tenancy for less than a year: where a tenant holds over without a special agreement, the landlord may terminate a week-to-week tenancy with 7 days' written notice, or a tenancy for any other term less than one year (including month-to-month) with 30 days' written notice, and may then bring an eviction action.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
765 ILCS 735/1
Forcible entry and detainer: additional statutory authority governing the eviction proceeding itself.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.