When it comes to leases and renting in the United States, eviction notices can be among the most important documents. In Chicago, knowing the procedures for lawful eviction notices can help keep landlords out of trouble and keep their tenants in the know. This article will dive into the protections afforded to tenants in Chicago, how landlords should serve eviction notices, and where to find legal counsel if you find yourself in need.

The rights of tenants in Chicago are supported by the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago. While state law grants protection to tenants, local ordinances provide added protection. This is compounded in Chicago, where local laws previously granted greater protection to tenants from last month's rent strikes.

When landlords cannot resolve rental issues with a tenant, they may proceed with legal eviction proceedings. Before taking any legal action, they must provide tenants with an eviction notice. This notice outlines the tenant's rights, raises issues of non-payment of rent or violation of the lease agreement, and requires the tenant to take action to address these issues. The notices must follow specific rules, which vary from state to state and vary even within the city of Chicago.

Landlords must serve eviction notices in one of three ways: a written notice delivered to the tenant’s residence; a legal notice published in a newspaper of general circulation; or presentation of the notice to a third party such as a law enforcement officer, county sheriff, or a private representative from a non-profit or government agency. Once served, the eviction notice must give the tenant at least five days to relocate or another specified period of time if handing over a written notice.

If a landlord does not properly serve an eviction notice, or does not abide by state and local laws, then the notice could be considered invalid in court. That can have a variety of consequences for both landlord and tenant, ranging from difficulties in collecting unpaid rent to complications when re-letting an apartment. Going through the proper procedures is the best way for a landlord to protect their rights.

But following procedure and understanding the law may be difficult for landlords who are unfamiliar with the process. That's why many landlords, as well as tenants, have begun to seek legal counsel to navigate their unique real estate legal needs.

Since the eviction notice process can be complex and involve intricate legal language, it’s critical that landlords understand local regulations when seeking legal counsel. With UpCounsel, you can access experienced business lawyers who have the expertise to help navigate local real estate laws in Chicago.

UpCounsel’s lawyers have an average of 14 years of experience, and each lawyer has a profile that displays client ratings and reviews of their recent work. As a result, landlords can be confident that they’re accessing the best legal help available.

Whether you’re an individual leasing out a few apartments or a property manager with a large portfolio, understanding the regional regulations for eviction notices is essential to protect yourself from lawsuits and preserve tenant’s rights. With UpCounsel, you can find lawyers who are experienced in Illinois and Chicago’s laws, so that all involved parties can ensure a fair process with lasting results.

Topics:

eviction,

Chicago,

landlord