Illinois Lease Termination Rules

735 ILCS 5/9-207 governs ending periodic tenancies. For 'tenancy for any term less than one year' where the tenant holds over without special agreement, 'the landlord may terminate the tenancy by 30 days' notice, in writing,' and may then maintain an action for eviction or ejectment. A week-to-week tenancy may be terminated 'by 7 days' notice, in writing.' A separate provision (9-205) addresses year-to-year tenancies with 60 days' notice before the end of the year. A fixed-term lease generally ends on its stated expiration date without notice unless the lease requires it. Either landlord or tenant may use the 30-day month-to-month notice. Chicago and Cook County add separate notice rules; servicemembers have early-termination rights under federal and state law.

No specific statutory penalty. A landlord who gives defective or short notice cannot terminate a month-to-month tenancy until proper 30-day notice expires; a tenant who vacates a fixed-term lease early generally remains liable for rent, subject to the landlord's duty to mitigate under 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1.