Know Your Rights: Eviction and Lockout Resources
Updated May 2, 2022
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The eviction moratorium ended on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, but Chicago tenants still have options. If you are worried about remaining in your home because you have been unable to pay rent:
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La moratoria de desalojos termina el 3 de octubre, 2021, pero los inquilinos en Chicago todavía tienen opciones. Si Ud. se preocupa por inestabilidad en su hogar porque no ha podido pagar la renta:
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Status of Eviction Moratorium
The moratorium on COVID-19 related evictions in the State of Illinois ends Oct. 3, 2021. The COVID-19 eviction moratorium did not prohibit landlords from initiating eviction procedures against tenants if they pose a direct threat to the health and safety of other tenants or an immediate and severe risk to the property. Visit the State of Illinois' Eviction Protection FAQ page for further information.
The moratorium did not relieve any obligation to pay rent, and tenants can be evicted for rent not paid during the moratorium.
Legal Help Resources
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD)
Call the CCLAHD hotline at 855.956.5763 to learn how you can get help resolving your housing and debt problems. All services are available at no cost to Cook County residents and property owners regardless of income, language, or immigration status. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Chicago tenants who needs help with a housing issue like lockouts or evictions can contact Rentervention, a program of the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing.
Rentervention is free and confidential. To get started, tenants can call 312.347.7600, visit rentervention.com or text “hi” to 866.7RENTER (866.773.6837) to start a conversation with Renny, Rentervention’s bot.
COVID-19 Eviction Protection Ordinance
Additional eviction protections are available under a Chicago ordinance by giving your landlord notice that you have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and download a sample declaration on the Department of Housing's website.
Center for Conflict Resolution
Court-based mediation takes place in virtual eviction courtrooms. A court case is not required to access mediation. Clients can also self-refer outside of the court process. Contact CCR’s case management team at 312.922.6464, ext. 22 or newcase@ccrchicago.org if you would like to open a mediation case.
Renters Rights
To learn more about your rights, you can call the Department of Housing Rents Rights Information Line at 312.742.RENT (312.742.7368).
Lockouts
If you are being locked out of your apartment, or your landlord is making your apartment impossible to stay in, that is an illegal lockout. Learn what your rights are and what you can do with information from the Department of Housing and the Chicago Police Department.
Get Financial Help
Go to chicago.gov/renthelp for information on how to apply for up to 15 months of rental assistance.
Mental Health Services
Housing Instability can be profoundly distressing. If you need help dealing with anxiety or depression, please visit chicagoconnects.org, where you can talk to someone and find other resources.
More information is available by visiting the Chicago Department of Public Health's website.