Evicting a tenant in Illinois requires following specific legal procedures exactly. You cannot simply change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove a tenant’s belongings, no matter how far behind on rent they are or how much damage they have caused. Illinois law protects tenants from illegal evictions, and landlords who take shortcuts face serious penalties, including lawsuits.
The formal eviction process in Illinois is called a forcible entry and detainer action. It is governed by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, specifically 735 ILCS 5/9-101 and following sections. Following the correct process protects you legally and helps you regain possession of your property as quickly as possible.
Our Oswego real estate attorney for landlords has over 20 years of experience handling evictions throughout Kendall County. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and navigate the eviction process correctly.