Free Illinois Illinois Eviction Complaint (Forcible Entry & Detainer)
Illinois Eviction Complaint (Forcible Entry & Detainer) — Initiates an Illinois eviction action after a valid notice has expired. Filed by the landlord in circuit court. Conform to Illinois Circuit Court rules and 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq..
An Illinois eviction complaint (historically called forcible entry and detainer) begins an eviction lawsuit under the Illinois Eviction Act, 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. Before filing, the landlord must serve the correct notice: a 5-day notice for nonpayment of rent (735 ILCS 5/9-209), a 10-day notice for a lease violation (735 ILCS 5/9-210), or a 30-day notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. After the notice expires, the landlord files the complaint in the circuit court for the county where the property sits, using the statewide standardized eviction forms. Chicago RLTO and Cook County RTLO impose additional requirements. This form does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.
Illinois Eviction Complaint at a Glance
Statute
735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.
Court
Illinois Circuit Court
Filed by
Landlord / Attorney
Authority
735 ILCS 5/9-101 et se
This is a legal filing — conform to local court rules
Court forms must conform to the rules of Illinois Circuit Court and the applicable statute (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.). Filing requirements, formatting, fees, and service rules vary by court and change over time. This worksheet helps organize the required information; it is not a substitute for the official court forms or for legal advice. When in doubt, consult an attorney or the court clerk.
How to Use the Illinois Eviction Complaint
Identify when the disclosure is required
Confirm the prerequisite is met: a valid Illinois 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day notice (per the grounds) has been served and expired.
Prepare the notice
Gather the underlying documents: lease, the notice served and proof of its service, and a rent ledger if applicable.
Provide the disclosure
Complete this worksheet with the parties, property, grounds, notice details, and relief sought.
Follow statutory timeline
Transfer the information to the official Illinois Circuit Court form(s); pay the filing fee and file in the correct court/precinct.
Document the process
Arrange proper service of process on the tenant and file proof of service. Appear at the hearing.
Generate the Illinois Notice
Complete the fields below to generate a Illinois Illinois eviction complaint. Service should comply with per 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. and Illinois Circuit Court rules; retain proof of delivery.
Purpose
Initiates an Illinois eviction action after a valid notice has expired. Filed by the landlord in circuit court.
1. Parties & Property
From (Landlord / Property Manager)
To (Tenant)
2. Filing Information
3. Notice Content
4. Signature
About This Illinois Notice
An Illinois eviction complaint (historically called forcible entry and detainer) begins an eviction lawsuit under the Illinois Eviction Act, 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. Before filing, the landlord must serve the correct notice: a 5-day notice for nonpayment of rent (735 ILCS 5/9-209), a 10-day notice for a lease violation (735 ILCS 5/9-210), or a 30-day notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. After the notice expires, the landlord files the complaint in the circuit court for the county where the property sits, using the statewide standardized eviction forms. Chicago RLTO and Cook County RTLO impose additional requirements. This form does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.
Illinois Statutory Requirements
- 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. governs the filing
- Valid predicate: a valid Illinois 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day notice (per the grounds) has been served and expired
- Correct court / venue
- Complete petition/complaint contents
- Proper service of process with proof filed
- Filing fee paid
Delivery Methods
- File with the court clerk (e-file where required)
- Serve the opposing party per the applicable service rule
- File proof of service with the court
- Keep stamped copies of everything filed
Common Mistakes
- Filing before the predicate notice has expired
- Defective or improperly served notice
- Wrong court or precinct
- Incomplete description of premises or grounds
- Improper service of process
- Using self-help instead of the court process
Best Practices
- Confirm the predicate is satisfied (a valid Illinois 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day notice (per the grounds) has been served and expired)
- Attach the lease and the served notice
- File in the correct court/precinct
- Describe parties, premises, and grounds precisely
- Effect proper service and file proof
- Never use self-help eviction
- Consult counsel for contested cases
Bottom line
A Illinois eviction complaint must rest on a valid predicate (a valid Illinois 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day notice (per the grounds) has been served and expired) and conform to 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. and Illinois Circuit Court’s rules. Proper notice and proper service are the most common failure points. This worksheet organizes the required information but does not replace the official court forms or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Illinois eviction complaint?
Initiates an Illinois eviction action after a valid notice has expired. Filed by the landlord in circuit court.
What must happen before filing?
The predicate must be satisfied: a valid Illinois 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day notice (per the grounds) has been served and expired. The matter proceeds under 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. in Illinois Circuit Court.
Which court handles this?
Illinois Circuit Court, under 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.. File in the court for the location where the property sits.
Can I use this instead of the official court form?
No. This is an organizing worksheet. The official Illinois Circuit Court form(s) and current local rules control. Use this to prepare, then complete the official forms.
What is the most common mistake?
Filing before the notice has expired, or defective/improper service of the notice or process. Both are avoidable with careful attention to dates and service.
Do I need a lawyer?
These proceedings are technical and the stakes are high. While self-representation is allowed, consulting an attorney (or Illinois Circuit Court’s self-help center) is strongly recommended, especially if the case is contested.
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