Illinois Eviction Notice Requirements

For unpaid rent, 735 ILCS 5/9-209 lets a landlord demand payment 'within a time mentioned in such notice, not less than 5 days after service thereof'; if the tenant does not pay, the landlord may 'consider the lease ended and commence an eviction or ejectment action without further notice or demand.' For other lease defaults, 735 ILCS 5/9-210 provides that 'it is not necessary to give more than 10 days' notice to quit.' To end a month-to-month tenancy with no cause, the 30-day notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-207 applies. A landlord cannot self-evict; after notice expires the landlord files an eviction action under Article IX, and only a court-issued order removes the tenant.

No specific statutory penalty. A defective or short notice can have an eviction dismissed and force the landlord to restart. A landlord who removes a tenant by self-help (changing locks, shutting off utilities) instead of a court order may face liability for damages.