Evicting a bad tenant in Illinois costs ~$7,987.
How Illinois handles evictions
Cook County has a dedicated housing court with significant backlog.
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail, the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
Illinois eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in Illinois?
TenantFort estimates a contested eviction in Illinois at around $7,987 all-in: a $237 filing fee, roughly 1.5 months of lost rent ($2,550 at a typical $1,700/mo), plus legal fees, property damage beyond the deposit, and turnover costs, using national planning figures for those three. Uncontested cases cost less.
How long does an eviction take in Illinois?
Roughly 45 days (~6 weeks) from notice to lockout, as an estimate; contested cases take longer. Cook County has a dedicated housing court with significant backlog.
How much is the eviction filing fee in Illinois?
$237, filed with the Circuit Court (Forcible Entry and Detainer). Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in Illinois?
Evictions in Illinois are handled by the Circuit Court (Forcible Entry and Detainer).
Sources & methodology
The filing fee is the Circuit Court (Forcible Entry and Detainer)'s published fee; it has not yet been checked against the official fee schedule for this page, so confirm it with the court before you file. The timeline and typical rent are estimates. Property damage ($2,500), legal fees ($1,200) and turnover ($1,500) are round planning figures, the same for every state, not costs measured in Illinois. Real costs vary by county, whether the tenant contests, and the market.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.