📋 Illinois 7-Day Notice to Terminate
Week-to-Week Tenancy Termination – 735 ILCS 5/9-207
⚖️ 735 ILCS 5/9-207: “In all cases of tenancy from week to week, the landlord or tenant may terminate the tenancy by giving at least 7 days’ notice, in writing, and in case of tenancy at will, the landlord may terminate the tenancy by giving 30 days’ notice, in writing.”
📌 When to Use: This notice is used to end a week-to-week tenancy where rent is paid weekly. No reason is required – either landlord or tenant may terminate with 7 days written notice.
🏠 Property Information
👤 Tenant Information
🏢 Landlord / Property Manager
📅 Tenancy Details
📅 Notice Dates
📅 7-Day Termination Calculator
Enter the notice date to calculate the termination date.
📝 Reason for Termination (Optional)
💡 Note: Illinois law does NOT require a reason to terminate a week-to-week tenancy. However, termination cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory.
📦 Move-Out Instructions
📬 Method of Service
✍️ Landlord Signature
📋 Certificate of Service
I certify that on , I served this 7-Day Notice to Terminate on the above-named tenant(s) by the method indicated above.
Understanding the Illinois 7-Day Notice for Week-to-Week Tenancies
Week-to-week tenancies are rental arrangements where the tenant pays rent on a weekly basis. These are common in rooming houses, extended-stay accommodations, and short-term rentals. Illinois law allows either party to terminate with just 7 days written notice.
What is a Week-to-Week Tenancy?
A week-to-week tenancy exists when:
- Rent is paid weekly (every 7 days)
- There is no written lease, or the lease specifies weekly terms
- The tenant has no fixed end date for the rental period
Common Week-to-Week Situations
- Rooming houses and boarding houses
- Extended-stay hotels/motels
- Single room rentals
- Transitional housing
- Short-term furnished rentals
Illinois Notice Requirements by Tenancy Type
| Tenancy Type | Notice Required | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Week-to-Week | 7 days | 735 ILCS 5/9-207 |
| Month-to-Month | 30 days | 735 ILCS 5/9-207 |
| Year-to-Year | 60 days | 735 ILCS 5/9-207 |
| Tenancy at Will | 30 days | 735 ILCS 5/9-207 |
How to Calculate the 7-Day Period
💡 Best Practice: Count 7 full days from the date of service, not including the day of service. For example, if served on Monday, the 7th day is the following Monday.
The notice period calculation:
- Day of service = Day 0 (not counted)
- Next day = Day 1
- Continue counting until Day 7
- Tenant must vacate by end of Day 7
Service Methods
📋 Valid Service Methods:
- Personal delivery – Hand directly to tenant (strongest method)
- Substitute service – Leave with family member 13+ years old
- Certified mail – USPS certified with return receipt
- Posting – On main entrance if no one home (last resort)
Security Deposit Return
When terminating a week-to-week tenancy, remember Illinois security deposit rules:
- Return deposit within 30 days (Cook County) or 45 days (rest of Illinois)
- Provide itemized statement for any deductions
- If landlord has 25+ units and held deposit 6+ months, include interest
- Request tenant’s forwarding address in writing
What Happens If Tenant Doesn’t Leave
If the tenant remains after the 7-day period expires:
- Do NOT attempt self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings)
- File Forcible Entry and Detainer complaint with Circuit Court
- Serve tenant with court summons
- Attend court hearing
- Obtain Order of Possession if successful
- Only the sheriff can physically remove the tenant
Special Considerations
Chicago Properties
Chicago RLTO may provide additional protections. Verify compliance with local ordinances, especially for buildings with 7+ units.
Discrimination Warning
⚠️ Important: While no reason is required, you cannot terminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or other protected classes under federal and Illinois fair housing laws.
Retaliation Prohibition
Illinois law prohibits terminating a tenancy in retaliation for:
- Complaining to government agencies about code violations
- Joining or organizing a tenant union
- Exercising legal rights under the lease or law
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
This form is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While week-to-week tenancies generally require only 7 days notice, local ordinances may impose additional requirements. Always verify current Illinois law and consult with an attorney for specific situations.
