Channel Lake Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction Rules (2026)

Lake County evictions are governed by the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9) and filed in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan. Illinois is NOT a just-cause state — landlords can terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice for any reason except a protected-class or retaliatory reason. For nonpayment, a 5-day notice is required (735 ILCS 5/9-209). For lease violations, a 10-day notice (5/9-210). After notice expires, the landlord must file a Forcible Entry and Detainer complaint — self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities) are banned and expose the landlord to treble damages under the Illinois Residential Tenants Right to Repair Act. Protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, source of income (including Section 8 as of HB2775 effective 1/1/2023), and immigration status. Eviction sealing available under 735 ILCS 5/9-121 for dismissed or sealed cases.