Stop Losing Rent — Start the Eviction Today
Every day you wait costs you money. Get a same-day consultation and find out exactly what it takes to remove your tenant.
How the Illinois Eviction Process Works
Illinois law prohibits landlords from removing tenants without a court order — no changing locks, no shutting off utilities. Here’s the step-by-step legal process we handle for you:
Serve the Proper Notice
5-Day Notice for nonpayment, 10-Day Notice for lease violations, or 30-Day Notice for month-to-month tenancies. We draft and serve it correctly the first time.
File the Eviction Lawsuit
We prepare and file the forcible entry and detainer complaint in the correct courthouse for your property’s location.
Attend Court Hearings
We represent you at every hearing — you don’t have to take time off work or face your tenant alone in court.
Obtain an Order for Possession
Once the court rules in your favor, we secure the order that legally requires the tenant to vacate.
Enforce Through the Sheriff
If the tenant still won’t leave, we coordinate with the Cook County Sheriff to physically enforce the eviction order.
Types of Evictions We Handle
Nonpayment of Rent
The most common eviction. We serve the 5-Day Notice, file suit, and pursue both possession and a money judgment for unpaid rent.
Lease Violations
Unauthorized occupants, property damage, illegal activity, or repeated violations. We handle the 10-Day Notice and court filings.
Holdover Tenants
Lease expired but the tenant won’t leave? We file to regain possession quickly — even without a written lease in place.
Serving Landlords Across Chicagoland
Cook County
Including all Chicago districts and suburban courthouses. We know the local judges, mediation requirements, and courtroom procedures that vary by district.
Collar Counties
- DuPage County — Wheaton Courthouse
- Lake County — Waukegan Courthouse
- Will County — Joliet Courthouse
- Kane County — Geneva Courthouse
- McHenry County — Woodstock Courthouse
After the Eviction: Collecting Unpaid Rent
Getting your property back is step one. But what about the rent you’re owed? In many eviction cases, landlords can also obtain a money judgment for unpaid rent and damages.
Chi City Legal handles post-judgment collection including wage garnishments and bank citations — so you can recover what’s owed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an eviction take in Cook County?
How much does it cost to evict a tenant in Illinois?
Can I change the locks or shut off utilities to remove a tenant?
What if my tenant doesn’t pay after the 5-Day Notice?
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant?
Can I collect unpaid rent after the eviction?
Ready to Get Your Property Back?
Same-day consultations available. Flat-fee pricing. Landlords only.