Illinois Eviction Notice

Notice to pay rent or quit, cure a violation or vacate — with your state's exact notice period, required wording and service rules.

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Illinois rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent5 days — 5-Day Notice (Landlord's Five Day Notice)Source: 735 ILCS 5/9-209
Lease violation10 days — no right to cureSource: 735 ILCS 5/9-210 (state law provides no cure right; Chicago RLTO § 5-12-130(b) gives 10 days to cure)
Unconditional quit5 days — Use of premises for controlled substances, cannabis or prostitution (Controlled Substance and Cannabis Nuisance Act); 10-day notice for other breaches without cureSource: 740 ILCS 40/11; 735 ILCS 5/9-120
Permitted service methodspersonal, substituted, certified mail, postingSource: 735 ILCS 5/9-211 (personal delivery; leaving with person 13+ residing at premises; certified or registered mail with return receipt; posting only if no one is in actual possession)
Required wording5-day notice must include the statutory partial-payment statement: 'Only FULL PAYMENT of the rent demanded in this notice will waive the landlord's right to terminate the lease under this notice, unless the landlord agrees in writing to continue the lease in exchange for receiving partial payment.' Chicago RLTO notices must state the specific violation.
StatuteIllinois Eviction Act, 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Eviction Notice in Illinois

Serve the notice exactly as Illinois law allows and count the days correctly — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks. Do not include late fees in a pay-or-quit amount unless your state permits it. If the tenant pays the full amount in time, the notice is satisfied.

Keep a copy of the notice and the signed proof of service; you will attach both to the court complaint if the tenant does not comply.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in Illinois?

5 days (5-Day Notice (Landlord's Five Day Notice)), 735 ILCS 5/9-209. Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

personal, substituted, certified mail, posting. 735 ILCS 5/9-211 (personal delivery; leaving with person 13+ residing at premises; certified or registered mail with return receipt; posting only if no one is in actual possession) Keep the completed proof of service — the court will ask for it.

Can I change the locks or shut off utilities instead?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and exposes the landlord to damages. After the notice period expires you must file an eviction case in court.

Related documents

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.