Are transitional housing tenants protected by the same laws as regular Illinois renters?

Most transitional housing tenants are protected by similar laws, but some programs may have different or additional rules. Always check your agreement and refer to the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act.

How much notice should I get before I have to leave transitional housing?

Generally, you must be given 5 days’ written notice for unpaid rent, 10 days for rule violations, or 30 days for ending monthly agreements, unless it is an emergency.

What should I do if I receive an eviction notice in transitional housing?

Respond promptly, keep a copy of all notices, consider filing your appearance with the local circuit court, and seek legal support as soon as possible.

Who do I contact if my rights as a transitional housing tenant are violated?

You can seek help from your local Illinois Circuit Court or a free legal aid group listed in this resource.

What are my rights if my transitional housing is in poor, unsafe, or unsanitary condition?

Request repairs in writing. If not fixed, use Illinois’s Tenant’s Right to Repair Act or contact your city’s health or code enforcement office.

Illinois Transitional Housing Tenant Rights Explained

Special Housing Types & Situations Illinois published June 21, 2025

Transitional housing offers temporary shelter and support as people move toward stable, long-term living situations. If you're living in a transitional housing program in Illinois, it's important to know your rights as a tenant under state law. This page breaks down key protections, eviction processes, and where to get help if you have a concern with your housing provider.

What Is Transitional Housing?

Transitional housing is short-term housing designed to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or other crises make the move back to independent living. These programs are often operated by nonprofit organizations or government agencies and may include supportive services like counseling or job training.

Stay length typically ranges from a few months up to two years.
Tenants may pay low or sliding-scale rent, or none at all, depending on the program.
Some programs have special house rules, but basic tenant protections still apply.

Legal Rights of Transitional Housing Tenants in Illinois

Most transitional housing tenants in Illinois are protected under the Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act and, with some exceptions, the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act^[1]. However, some transitional and emergency shelters may have limited protections, based on the type of facility and length of stay.

Core rights you may have:

The right to safe and habitable living conditions
The right to privacy and proper notice before any eviction
The right to a clear termination process if asked to leave
Protection against illegal lockouts (your housing provider cannot remove you or your belongings without legal process)

Eviction and Notice Rules

In Illinois, you cannot be evicted from transitional housing without proper written notice except in cases of emergency (such as immediate threats to safety). Most tenants are entitled to notice under the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act. The usual process includes:

5-day written notice for unpaid rent
10-day written notice for lease violations
30-day written notice for ending a month-to-month or similar agreement

Eviction actions are handled by local circuit courts, which act as Illinois' residential tenancy tribunal system. More information on court procedures can be found at the Illinois Courts’ Self-Help Eviction Portal.^[2]

Forms Used by Transitional Housing Tenants

5-Day Notice to Pay Rent (Forcible Entry and Detainer Action): Used when the provider claims unpaid rent. Complete this if you wish to formally respond to a 5-Day Notice or to contest the eviction in court.
Official 5-Day Notice Form
Example: If you receive this notice, gather your payment records and respond before the 5 days are up, or seek legal assistance.
Eviction Complaint and Summons: If your housing provider files an eviction lawsuit, you will receive a summons. You can file an Appearance Form to participate and present your side.
Find Appearance Forms and Guides here
Motion to Stay Eviction: If you need more time before moving out, you may file this motion with the court.
View Motion to Stay Forms

If you receive any written eviction notice, read it carefully, preserve a copy, and seek legal help as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the more options you may have.

Your Rights to Repairs and Habitability

Transitional housing tenants have a right to safe, healthy, and livable housing. If your unit needs repairs, you should provide written notice to your housing manager. If repairs aren’t made, you may be able to use the Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act form to request action, or contact local code enforcement.

Key Takeaways for Transitional Housing Tenants

You must be given proper written notice before being asked to leave, except in emergency safety cases.
Many transitional housing residents have rights to safe rooms, repairs, and fair process under Illinois law.
Eviction usually goes through the local circuit court. Make sure to respond promptly to any legal documents.

Unsure about your rights or facing an eviction? The local circuit court and legal aid organizations can help you navigate the process.

FAQ: Transitional Housing Tenant Rights in Illinois

Are transitional housing tenants protected by the same laws as regular Illinois renters?
Most transitional housing tenants are covered by similar laws, but some programs may have additional or different rules. Check your agreement and consult the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act for specifics.
How much notice should I get before I have to leave?
Generally, you must receive 5 days’ written notice for unpaid rent, 10 days for other violations, or 30 days to end a month-to-month agreement—unless there’s an emergency.
What should I do if I get an eviction notice?
Read the notice, keep a copy, and respond before the deadline. Consider filing an appearance in court and contact legal help right away.
Who can I contact if I feel my rights are being violated?
You can reach out to the local circuit court or a legal aid group. Official resources are listed below.
What if my transitional housing is unsafe or unsanitary?
Request repairs in writing and, if not resolved, you may file complaints with city code enforcement or use the Tenant’s Right to Repair Act.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Illinois Courts Eviction Self-Help Center: Step-by-step guides on responding to eviction notices.
Illinois Legal Aid: Find free legal help if you're facing eviction or need advice about your rights.
Illinois Housing Development Authority: Access housing resources, voucher information, and advocacy supports.
Adult Protective Services: For vulnerable populations in transitional housing facing abuse or neglect.

See: Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act and Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act
Residential landlord-tenant disputes and eviction hearings are handled by Illinois Circuit Courts.