Evictions (Forcible Entry and Detainer)

Forcible Entry and Detainer Section
Circuit Court of Cook County
50 West Washington Street, Suite 1404
Richard J. Daley Center
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 603-4864 and 4865

The Forcible Entry and Detainer Section of the Circuit Court of Cook County is a section within the First Municipal District. Because the Forcible Entry and Detainer Section hears cases that seek evictions from real estate premises, the section is commonly known as “Eviction Court.”

In the most frequently filed actions, litigants are seeking evictions to obtain one of the following results:

Possession of property (known as a “single action”);
Back rent and possession of property (known as a “joint action”); or
Condominium fees such as assessments and other fines.

There are other cases heard in the Forcible Entry and Detainer Section also. These include:

lock-out cases, where landlords attempt to bypass proper eviction procedures and instead change the locks on the door or shut off utility services; and
distress for rent cases, where landlords seize tenants’ personal property to secure payment of past due rent.

Eviction cases are also heard at the following courthouse locations:

Second Municipal District: Skokie Courthouse
Third Municipal District:    Rolling Meadows Courthouse
Fourth Municipal District: Maywood Courthouse
Fifth Municipal District:     Bridgeview Courthouse
Sixth Municipal District:    Markham Courthouse

Judges Information
Tips for Court
Legal Assistance & Resources

The information presented below is general and intended to help courtroom proceedings to run smoothly and efficiently by letting litigants know what to expect and what is expected of them.

Before court begins

Upon reaching the courtroom, find your case and line number on the bulletin board outside the courtroom.
Quietly enter the court room. Turn off cell phones and remove any hats.
Attorneys check in with clerk.
Pro se individuals (individuals representing themselves) check in with clerk.
Wait in court gallery for line number to be called and approach the judge.

What happens in front of the judge

When your line number is called by the clerk, approach the judge and identify yourself as the plaintiff (landlord) or defendant (tenant) .
At this point, the defendant can ask for more time to find an attorney, the case can go to immediate trial, or various motions can be filed.

During trial

Please be respectful and polite to the judge and opposing parties at all times.
The plaintiff/landlord will go first. The plaintiff may enter evidence such as receipts or rental agreements. The plaintiff may also call witnesses. The defendant/tenant will have a chance to ask questions of the witnesses when the plaintiff is done
Next, the defendant has a chance to enter evidence and call witnesses. The plaintiff may question the witnesses when the defendant is done.
Remember, both sides will have a chance to tell their side of the story and ask questions of witnesses. Please wait until it is your turn to present any evidence. If the opposing side is questioning you, ONLY answer the questions posed. You will have a chance to present your evidence and ask them questions later.

After trial

Once both sides have presented their case, the judge will enter a judgment in the courtroom in front of all parties or take the case under advisement for a later decision.
The judge may order eviction, back rent or may also stay the eviction for a period of time.
All orders are final

What to bring

Evidence that is relevant to your case including rental agreements, records of payments, receipts, photos of residence.
Witnesses.

Proper courtroom behavior

Be respectful and polite at all times.
No talking, eating, or sleeping in the courtroom.
Turn off your phone.
Dress appropriately.
Do not approach the judge unless your case has been called.
Do not approach the clerk unless it is time for pro se individuals to check in.

The Eviction Process

Once an order for eviction has been entered, the tenant has a specific amount of time to move out. If the tenant remains on the property beyond this time, a landlord MAY NOT use self-help methods to remove the tenant.

Landlords MAY NOT change the locks on the apartment.
Landlords MAY NOT remove tenant's belongings from the apartment.

First Municipal District Home

Eviction Court Video

The Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (“LCBH”) created a short film, “Going to Eviction Court,” that helps prepare both landlords and tenants for eviction court. The video focuses on home evictions and introduces viewers to common eviction courtroom procedures.

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