Self-help evictions are illegal in Illinois. Trying to kick out a Tenant without a court order, shutting off utilities, and changing locks are all examples of self-help evictions. It doesn't matter what the Tenant has done. You must file an eviction lawsuit if a Tenant refuses to leave - you can't take matters into your own hands.

The 5-Day Notice tells the Tenant to pay up within the next five days or move out. If the Tenant pays in full before the five days are up, then you must take the money and they can stay. If they don't pay up, then you can file a lawsuit to evict.

Check local ordinances (some may require more than five days). The clock starts on the day after the Tenant is served. You can apply late fees (if your lease allows it). If not, get a better lease.

The completed notice must be served on the Tenants ( 735 ILCS 5/9-211 ). Here's how:

🚩 Don't serve the notice yourself. Anyone 18+ can, but problem if tenant claims did receive it and you say they did). Easier to call someone else to testify that they got it.

Even with an Order for Possession from the Judge, you must wait for a Sheriff to perform the eviction. Attempting to perform the eviction on your own may violate the "peaceful entry" rules. And it will certainly expose you to liability. Only the Sheriff can enforce an eviction

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