Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Eviction in Illinois
Open-data reference.
Filing a eviction in Illinois costs $215–$400 - among the most expensive of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Chicago: 2-4 months. Downstate: 3-6 weeks., and a mandatory waiting period of 5 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
Non-payment (5-day notice), lease violation (10-day cure notice), end of term (30-day notice)
What This Means for Your Eviction Filing in Illinois
Filing for eviction in Illinois costs $215–$400 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. $215-$400 in Circuit Court (eviction division). Cook County fees higher than downstate. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 5 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Chicago: 2-4 months. Downstate: 3-6 weeks.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Illinois lays out 6 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: standard state residency rules apply. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Non-payment (5-day notice), lease violation (10-day cure notice), end of term (30-day notice) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
$215-$400 in Circuit Court (eviction division). Cook County fees higher than downstate.
How Illinois compares to other states
Illinois ranks #3 of 10 states for eviction filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound eviction filing fee, from $150 (NC) to $500 (NY); Illinois is highlighted at $400.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- Serve proper written notice (5-day pay-or-quit)
- File Eviction Complaint in Circuit Court
- Defendant served by sheriff
- 7-day answer period after service
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Serve 5-day notice for non-payment (or appropriate notice)
- 2
File Eviction Complaint in Circuit Court
- 3
Sheriff serves defendant
- 4
Eviction hearing scheduled (2-4 weeks)
- 5
Possession order if tenant loses
- 6
Sheriff enforces possession order
Important Notes
Chicago and Cook County have local tenant protections. Provide proper written notices carefully.
Grounds / Eligibility
Non-payment (5-day notice), lease violation (10-day cure notice), end of term (30-day notice)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $215–$400
- Waiting Period
- 5 days
- Typical Timeline
- Chicago: 2-4 months. Downstate: 3-6 weeks.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for eviction in Illinois?
The filing fee for eviction in Illinois is $215–$400. $215-$400 in Circuit Court (eviction division). Cook County fees higher than downstate.
How long does eviction take in Illinois?
Chicago: 2-4 months. Downstate: 3-6 weeks.
Do I need a lawyer for eviction in Illinois?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for eviction in Illinois, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Illinois resources.
Is there a waiting period for eviction in Illinois?
Illinois requires a mandatory waiting period of 5 days before the process can be finalized.
Where do I file for eviction in Illinois?
Eviction filings in Illinois are handled through the state court system. Visit the official court website for county-specific filing locations and current fee schedules.
What documents are needed for eviction in Illinois?
Key requirements include: Serve proper written notice (5-day pay-or-quit); File Eviction Complaint in Circuit Court; Defendant served by sheriff.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Illinois court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |