Just cause eviction rules in Lake County, IL — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Lake County follows Illinois Forcible Entry & Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9). No just-cause requirement — landlords may non-renew month-to-month with 30 days notice. Evictions must go through the Lake County Circuit Court in Waukegan.
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.
Self-help eviction (lockout, utility shutoff): tenant recovers actual damages, attorney fees, and possession. Retaliatory eviction: 765 ILCS 720 — one year rent damages. Discriminatory eviction: Illinois Human Rights Act penalties up to $16,000 per violation.
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