Illinois Eviction Notice (2026)

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

Updated September 2026≈ 6 minReviewed against 735 ILCS 5/9-209 · 735 ILCS 5/9-210 · 740 ILCS 40/11; 735 ILCS 5/9-120

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What you'll get

Sample first page of the Eviction Notice. Your answers fill in the blanks; the clauses required in Illinois are added automatically.

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What this document covers

Reason: nonpayment, lease violation or unconditional quit
State notice period and day counting
Tenants, occupants and premises
Amount past due and rental periods
Where, when and how rent may be paid
Description of the violation and how to cure
Statutory wording and bold notices your state requires
CARES Act 30-day rule for covered properties
Method of service permitted in your state
Proof of service for the court

Illinois rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent	5 days — 5-Day Notice (Landlord's Five Day Notice)Source: 735 ILCS 5/9-209
Lease violation	10 days — no statutory 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 quit	5 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 methods	Personal delivery to the tenant; Leaving a copy with a person 13 or older residing at the premises; Certified mail, return receipt requested; Posting on the main door (only if no one is in actual possession)Source: 735 ILCS 5/9-211
Required content	5-day notice must include the statutory partial-payment statement (735 ILCS 5/9-209), printed in this notice in bold. Chicago RLTO notices must state the specific violation and give 10 days to cure (§ 5-12-130(b)). Service must be proved by affidavit (§ 9-211).
Statute	Illinois Eviction Act, 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.

Rules current as of 2026-10-27. 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 from the day of service — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks; this generator does the counting for you. 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 delivery to the tenant; Leaving a copy with a person 13 or older residing at the premises; Certified mail, return receipt requested; Posting on the main door (only if no one is in actual possession). 735 ILCS 5/9-211. 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.

Other names

notice to quit
pay or quit notice
3 day notice
notice to vacate
eviction letter
notice to cure or quit
late rent notice
demand for possession

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.