Skokie, IL Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Skokie has not adopted a just cause eviction ordinance like Evanston's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance or Chicago's RLTO. Evictions are governed by state law under the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.). A landlord may terminate a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days' written notice without stating cause. Fixed-term leases end at their stated expiration date, and landlords are not required to offer renewal. During a lease term, a landlord may terminate only for cause as specified in the lease, typically non-payment of rent (5 days' notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-209), lease violations (10 days' notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-210), or end of term. If a tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file an eviction lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County and cannot lock out the tenant or remove belongings. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois and exposes landlords to damages. Retaliatory evictions for tenants exercising legal rights (reporting code violations, requesting repairs) are prohibited under the Illinois Retaliatory Eviction Act (765 ILCS 720). The federal CARES Act 30-day notice requirement applies to certain federally-backed properties. Tenants facing eviction should seek legal assistance; CARPLS and Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing are Chicago-area resources.