Please tell me more about your eviction. Was your landlord's property taken by the bank in a foreclosure?

 
When the eviction was filed against you, were you current on rent? If they were refusing to take your rent, answer "Yes."
 
Before the eviction was filed against you, did you break any rules in your lease?
 

 

 

Going to court can be scary. Did you go to your eviction trial?

 
Did you know about going to court before your court date?
 
When was the judgment signed?
 

The judgment is likely final.

I'm sorry. This means you cannot reopen this case. I can take you to more information about what happens if you have an eviction on your record.

 

Why didn't you go to court?

 

If it has been more than 30 days, it is harder to get rid of ("vacate") a default judgment However, it can be done.

You can make a written request to the judge, called a motion. The motion asks them to throw out the judgment. You will have to send a copy of the motion to your landlord or their lawyer. You must go to your court hearing to explain why you didn't come to court. You also tell the judge why you waited to file this motion.

Our NextSteps for vacating a default judgment can guide you through what to do next, or we can provide you with legal information.

What do you want to do?
 

 

What happened at court?

 

Congratulations!

If you don't have a copy, you should request a copy of the order and review it carefully.

You might be able to seal (hide) your eviction case record under certain conditions. I can provide details on how to do this.

If you need help later, apply again by going to www.illinoislegalaid.org/get-legal-help or texting "evict" to 85622.

 

What was the agreement with your landlord?

 
Did you move before the agreed date and time?
 
Why do you need help?
 

Your landlord has duties to you as a tenant.

I can provide information about your landlord's legal duties.

 

What was the judgment for?

 
To better understand what help you need, have you moved out?
 

Landlords can collect the judgment amount.

If your landlord accepts rent that's more than the judgment, your lease can be restarted.

Once you've paid, ask your landlord for a Release and Satisfaction document for the judgment.

This shows it's been paid, but the judgment won't be removed.

I can help you find out what happens when you have an eviction on your record.

 

When the judge grants an order of eviction to the landlord, you get some time to move.

Judges usually give tenants one to two weeks. The date you have to move out will be listed on the Eviction Order. The landlord cannot do anything before that date. If you need more time to move, you will need to file a motion with the court.

Your landlord can never force you to move out or lock you out of your home.

A landlord can only lock out a tenant after they get an order from a judge. They must wait for the sheriff to come and perform the eviction.

Landlords can collect the judgment amount.

If your landlord accepts rent that's more than the judgment, your lease can be restarted.

Once you've paid, ask your landlord for a Release and Satisfaction document for the judgment.

This shows it's been paid, but the judgment won't be removed.

What would you like to learn more about?
 

When the judge grants an order of eviction to the landlord, you get some time to move.

Judges usually give tenants one to two weeks to move. The deadline to move out will be listed on the Eviction Order. The landlord cannot take any action before that date. If more time is needed to move, a motion must be filed with the court.

Your landlord can never force you to move out or lock you out of your home.

A landlord can only lock out a tenant after they get an order from a judge. They must wait for the sheriff to come and perform the eviction.

I can help you ask for more time to move.

Our NextSteps can help guide you through the steps to take, or I can direct you to legal information.

What would you like to do?
 
Did you get any legal documents or notices from the court or your landlord about your case after going to court?
 

I'm sorry, I can't figure out what's going on in your case.

To find out more, call the court clerk and ask for the latest papers in your case.

If you still need help once you find out, please go to www.illinoislegalaid.org/get-legal-help or text "evict" to 85622.

 

What did you get from the court or your landlord after you went to court? Look at the title of the document.

 
Is the document you got signed by the judge? This is usually at the bottom of the last page.
 
 

You reached an agreement with your landlord

The case is being dismissed, which means it is now over. But your landlord may file another eviction if you violate the agreement.

 

You agreed to pay and stay

Part 3 of the order will tell you the amount and when you need to pay.

If you follow the order, your case will be closed, and your landlord won't be able to file again.

An eviction order can be entered if you don't follow this order.

 

You agreed to move

Part 3 says when to move.

Part 4 lists any money you owe.

If you do what the order says, your case will be closed, and your landlord won't be able to file again.

An eviction order can be entered if you don't follow this order.

 

This order shows that you followed the terms of your agreement.

Your eviction case should now be closed. Your landlord can only file again if you break a rule in your lease or stop paying rent.

 

You won!

Congratulations, you won your eviction case. You are allowed to stay in your unit.

 

The court has said that you owe an amount of money to your landlord.

Part 4 of this order will tell you how much you owe your landlord.

 

I'm sorry, but it seems you lost your eviction case.

Let's review the order to understand more.

Section 2 titled, "This Order is entered" will tell us the type of order. Which box is checked?
 
Part 2 will tell us if you were dismissed from the case. Is your name listed in Part 2?
 

You were dismissed from the eviction case.

If your name is listed in Part 2 of the Eviction Order, the order does not apply to you.

 

Part 4 will tell you when you need to move.

You must move out on or before the date and time listed

Parts 6 or 7 says if you owe any money to your landlord. Is the box next to "Plaintiff is owed:" checked?