Illinois COVID-19 Eviction Protections: What Renters Need to Know in 2024

Are you a renter in Illinois worried about eviction following the COVID-19 pandemic? Understanding which protections remain in place—and where things stand for renters in 2024—is essential to protect your housing and legal rights. This guide offers an updated summary of COVID-19 eviction protections in Illinois, the most important forms, and useful official resources.

Current Status of COVID-19 Eviction Protections in Illinois

During the pandemic, Illinois implemented strong eviction moratoriums and renter support programs. Most of these statewide emergency orders have expired, including Governor Pritzker’s executive orders and the CDC’s federal order. However, some local programs and legal protections may continue to provide relief for tenants facing hardship due to COVID-19 or its after-effects.

What Ended and What Remains?

• Statewide COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium: This officially ended on October 3, 2021. Landlords can now file new eviction cases, but they must still follow Illinois law.
• Rental Assistance: While most emergency rental assistance programs have closed, some local agencies may offer ongoing help. See the Illinois Rental Assistance Program for updates.
• Eviction Court Procedures: Illinois courts may still consider COVID-19 hardship when deciding eviction cases, and some courts may connect tenants with mediation or legal aid services.
• Fair Notice Ordinances: In Chicago and some other local jurisdictions, laws require landlords to give extra notice before ending certain tenancies or raising rent. Check local rules for details.

While the broad moratorium no longer applies, if you are facing eviction due to unpaid rent that accrued during the pandemic, you may still have options for relief or defense.

Key Illinois Tenant Rights and Eviction Processes

Even after the end of the COVID-19-specific protection orders, Illinois renters retain strong rights under state law. The main legislation governing tenancies is the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.).^[1]

Basic Eviction Process in Illinois

• Landlords must give tenants written notice before filing for eviction. The notice period depends on the reason (commonly 5 days for nonpayment of rent).
• If the notice period passes without resolution, the landlord can file an eviction case in court.
• The tenant can present a defense or seek assistance in court, possibly including COVID-19 hardship as a mitigating factor.

Tribunal That Handles Evictions

All residential eviction cases in Illinois are handled by the Illinois Circuit Courts (county-level trial courts).

Important Official Forms for Tenants

• Eviction Complaint (Form E-I701): Landlords use this to formally begin an eviction case. Tenants may receive this from the court, and should read it carefully. View the Eviction Complaint form.
  Example: If you receive this form, you have been formally sued for eviction and must respond in court.
• Appearance Form (Form AP-G700): Tenants use this form to let the court know they intend to participate in the case.
  View and download the Appearance form.
  Example: Submit this form before your first court date to avoid default judgment.
• Motion/Answer Form (Form MO-G703/AN-G700): Use these to respond to the eviction complaint, explain defenses (such as ongoing COVID-19 hardship), or ask for more time.
  View the Answer form and Motion form.
  Example: File this with the court and serve a copy to your landlord (or their attorney).

All official forms and guidance are available through the Illinois Courts Approved Statewide Forms for Eviction page.

Actions Renters Can Take if Facing Eviction

If you receive an eviction notice, it is important to act quickly. Here are practical steps for Illinois renters:

• Read any notice or legal documents you receive from your landlord or the court carefully.
• Submit an Appearance Form as soon as possible to signal your intent to participate in the process.
• Consider filing an Answer if you dispute the eviction, or if your nonpayment was due to COVID-19 hardship.
• Contact local legal aid or housing counseling centers for help understanding your rights and options.
• Ask the court about available mediation programs.

Local and Additional Protections

In some Illinois cities, such as Chicago, additional ordinances may provide renters extra protections or notice requirements. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) requires longer notice and other special procedures in many eviction cases.^[2]

Always check for local rules in your city or county as they may provide more protection than the statewide minimums.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are any COVID-19 eviction protections still in effect for Illinois renters?
   Most statewide COVID-19 eviction bans ended in 2021, but some local programs and individual court relief may still apply, especially when a tenant is experiencing ongoing COVID-19 hardship.
2. Can I still get rental assistance for COVID-19-related back rent?
   Most emergency programs have closed, but some local agencies and non-profit services still offer help. Check with the Illinois Rental Assistance Program and your local housing authority.
3. What should I do if I get an eviction notice now?
   Submit an Appearance form to the court, read all legal paperwork, and consider contacting legal aid or a housing counselor for assistance.
4. Which official forms should Illinois renters know if facing eviction?
   You should be familiar with the Appearance form, Answer form, and Motion form, all available from the Illinois Courts official forms portal.
5. What tribunal handles eviction cases in Illinois?
   Eviction cases are handled by the Illinois Circuit Courts in your county.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Illinois Renters

• Most COVID-19 eviction moratoriums in Illinois have expired, but standard tenant protections still apply.
• Always respond to eviction notices and attend court—you have rights and defenses, even after pandemic-related changes.
• Check for local laws or assistance programs, and use official court forms available statewide.

Staying informed, responding quickly, and seeking help when needed are your best defenses as an Illinois renter in 2024.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Courts (Find Your County Circuit Court)
• Illinois Courts Approved Statewide Eviction Forms
• Illinois Rental Assistance Program
• Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)
• Illinois Legal Aid Online – Free help for renters

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1. Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.)
2. Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)

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