> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.landlorddoc.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Evict Squatters and Non-Paying Tenants in Illinois (2025 Guide) - URL: https://www.landlorddoc.com/illinois-eviction-process/ - Published: 2025-05-10T20:51:09.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-18T23:58:00.000Z - Description: This guide outlines the legally compliant steps for removing an unknown occupant, tenant, or squatter under current Illinois law. - Author: The Landlord Doc - Tags: Eviction Laws by State, Illinois Law **Last Updated: May 2025** If you're a **landlord**, **property manager**, or **real estate investor** in Illinois, understanding the current **eviction process** is critical—especially with evolving laws around **squatters**, **rental units**, and **lease violations**. This guide walks you through each step of **eviction proceedings**, referencing actual **Illinois Compiled Statutes**, and includes must-know FAQs for today’s rental landscape. > 🔗 This guide is part of our legal content series on [**Squatters Rights in Illinois**.](https://www.landlorddoc.com/illinois-squatters-rights-guide/) --- ### 🔹 Step-by-Step Eviction Process in Illinois #### Step 1: Identify Occupant Type (Tenant vs. Squatter) - **Tenant**: Has a **lease agreement**, paid **rent**, or received **rental assistance**. - **Squatter**/**Unknown Occupant**: No permission to occupy the **rental property**, never paid rent. Statutes: - [735 ILCS 5/9-209](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K9-209&ref=landlorddoc.com) - [735 ILCS 5/9-102](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=073500050HArt.+IX+Pt.+2&ref=landlorddoc.com) #### Step 2: Serve the Correct Eviction Notice | Notice Type | When to Use | Statute | | --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit | Non-payment of rent | [735 ILCS 5/9-209](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K9-209&ref=landlorddoc.com) | | 10-Day Notice to Vacate | Lease violation | [735 ILCS 5/9-210](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K9-210&ref=landlorddoc.com) | | 30-Day Notice | Ending month-to-month lease | [735 ILCS 5/9-207](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=073500050HArt.+IX+Pt.+2&ref=landlorddoc.com) | Delivery must follow [735 ILCS 5/9-211](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K9-211&ref=landlorddoc.com). #### Step 3: File an Eviction Lawsuit Known as a **Forcible Entry and Detainer** or simply an **eviction case**, you’ll file at the **Circuit Court** where the **residential real estate** is located. Documents: - Eviction **complaint** - Copy of **rental agreement** (if applicable) - Affidavit of **written notice** delivery Fees vary ($95–$262) based on county and case type. #### Step 4: Attend the Eviction Hearing - Scheduled 7–40 days after court filing - Bring all documentation and **lease terms**, especially for **commercial evictions** or **lease termination** cases If the judge rules in your favor, they’ll issue an **eviction order**. #### Step 5: Sheriff Enforcement of Eviction Order Only the **county sheriff** can physically remove the **tenant** or **unknown occupant**. - **Sheriff eviction timeline Illinois**: Usually 24–120 hours after filing the order - Sheriff posts a final notice before removal [Illinois Squatter’s Rights Guide: 2025 Laws, SB 1563, and Property ProtectionIllinois requires squatters to occupy property continuously for 20 years before they can file a standard adverse possession claim![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/1a/d51ae403-ea6c-48df-aae8-23af04e239c2/content/images/icon/LandlordDoc--1--78.png)Landlord DocThe Landlord Doc![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/1a/d51ae403-ea6c-48df-aae8-23af04e239c2/content/images/thumbnail/Illinois---3.jpg)](https://www.landlorddoc.com/illinois-squatters-rights-guide/) --- ### 📅 Eviction Timeline Table | Step | Duration | Legal Reference | | ------------------- | ------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Notice to Vacate | 5–60 days | 735 ILCS 5/9-209, 5/9-210 | | File in Court | 1 day | Circuit Court | | Eviction Hearing | 7–40 days | Local court rules | | Eviction Order | Same day to 14 days | 735 ILCS 5/9-209 | | Sheriff Enforcement | 24–120 hours | Cook County Sheriff’s Office | --- ### ⚡ Special Cases & Squatter Removal - **SB 1563** (2025): Pending legislation could allow police—not just sheriffs—to remove squatters who forge **lease documents**. - **Fraudulent lease agreements**: Report immediately and bring evidence to court. - **Retaliatory eviction** defenses may apply—especially if the tenant has filed complaints or requested repairs. --- ## Sign up for Landlord Doc The Landlord Doctor gives you the knowledge for the common man about the ins and outs of owning and managing rental properties, so you can make smart decisions as a landlord or property manager. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### ⚖️ Self-Help Eviction Warning **Illegal actions** under [735 ILCS 5/9-101](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K9-101&ref=landlorddoc.com): - Changing locks - Turning off utilities - Removing **tenant property** Penalties: - **Eviction lawsuit** dismissal - Fines and damages - Attorney fees for the **tenant** --- ### 💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Can I remove squatters without going to court in Illinois?** No. Even **unauthorized occupants** require formal eviction. **Do I need a lawyer to evict someone?** Not required, but legal help is strongly recommended, especially in **property management** cases. **What if they leave stuff behind?** Follow local ordinances. Many counties require a **written notice** period before disposal. **Can I evict someone with no lease?** Yes, using a **30-day notice** or **5-day notice** depending on occupancy. **What’s the fastest legal eviction in Illinois?** Typically a **5-day notice** for **past due rent**, filed immediately after the deadline expires. --- ### 📂 Resources & Free Forms - [Illinois Courts Eviction Forms](https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/approved-forms/circuit-court-standardized-forms-suites/eviction/?ref=landlorddoc.com) - [Illinois Legal Aid Online](https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/giving-tenant-eviction-notice?ref=landlorddoc.com) - [Cook County Eviction Instructions](https://cookcountysheriffil.gov/evictions/eviction-procedure-defendants-guide/?ref=landlorddoc.com) --- ### 👤 About the Author [Chris](https://www.landlorddoc.com/about/) is the founder of LandlordDoc.com, a practical resource hub for landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals navigating everything from state laws and **eviction procedures** to daily operations, software, and compliance. With over 15 years in **property management**, Chris has held roles from leasing agent to SaaS marketing lead, scaling a PropTech startup to acquisition. He now helps operators run smarter businesses through legal education and growth tools. --- ### 🛑 Legal Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance, consult an attorney licensed in the state of Illinois.