Evicting someone in Chicago IL in 2026 typically costs $1,200–$4,000 for landlords, depending on attorney fees, court filing costs, sheriff fees, notice service, lost rent, and property turnover expenses. The legal eviction process in Chicago is highly regulated, often requiring legal representation to avoid procedural errors. Filing fees average $287, attorney fees range $800–$2,500, and sheriff enforcement costs $60–$200. Tenants facing eviction may spend $400–$2,200 on moving costs, storage, legal assistance, court fees, and potential wage loss. Total costs vary significantly depending on case complexity, defenses, and required court hearings.
Evicting someone in Chicago costs $1,200–$4,000 in 2026. Learn landlord and tenant expenses, filing fees, attorney charges, sheriff fees, moving costs, and full eviction process costs.
Total Cost to Evict Someone in Chicago (Landlord Cost Overview)
Eviction in Chicago is more expensive than many cities due to strict tenant-protection laws, required notices, legal procedures, and high likelihood of court involvement. Landlords must follow precise steps or risk delays, dismissed cases, or counterclaims. Most landlords hire attorneys to navigate Chicago-specific procedures, increasing overall costs.
• Total landlord eviction costs range $1,200–$4,000, depending on attorney involvement, contested hearings, notice service, and lost rent during the process.
• Basic uncontested evictions cost $1,200–$2,000, especially when tenants vacate after receiving notices.
• Contested evictions cost $2,000–$4,500, requiring multiple hearings and legal arguments under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).
• Additional expenses such as repairs, turnover, and cleaning often add $300–$1,200, increasing overall eviction-related spending.
Legal Fees for Landlords During Eviction
Legal fees represent the largest portion of eviction spending for Chicago landlords. Attorneys handle filings, court paperwork, notices, hearings, negotiations, and sheriff scheduling. Costs increase when tenants challenge the eviction or request continuances.
• Attorney fees range $800–$2,500, depending on case length, hearing complexity, and specific RLTO requirements involving tenant rights.
• Uncontested cases usually cost $800–$1,200, requiring minimal hearing time and faster judgments from the court.
• Contested cases may cost $1,500–$3,500, involving multiple appearances, evidence preparation, and negotiations.
• Hourly attorney rates range $200–$375, depending on eviction specialization and Chicago market demand.
Court Filing & Case-Processing Fees
All eviction cases in Chicago require court filings through the Cook County Circuit Court. Fees depend on the type of eviction, requested money judgment, and filing method. Filing fees increase when landlords add claims for unpaid rent or damages.
• Initial eviction filing costs $287, required for all eviction lawsuits in Cook County.
• Additional claims for back rent or damages may increase fees to $350–$420, depending on requested judgment amounts.
• Motion filing fees cost $20–$50, used when cases require repeated hearings or additional claims.
• Service-of-process fees cost $60–$90, covering professional service to deliver summons and complaint documents to tenants.
Sheriff Enforcement Costs
When a tenant does not voluntarily vacate after the court orders eviction, the Cook County Sheriff must perform the physical lockout. Chicago landlords cannot remove tenants themselves, making sheriff enforcement an essential legal step.
• Sheriff lockout fees cost $60–$200, depending on unit size, time required, and scheduling availability.
• Faster enforcement may add expedition fees when service schedules are full or cases require urgent lockout.
• Landlords must provide movers or labor to transport tenant belongings at additional cost depending on unit size.
• Delays in scheduling sheriffs create extra lost rent, often increasing total landlord expenses significantly.
Lost Rent & Turnover Costs for Landlords
Lost rent is often the most expensive part of eviction for landlords, especially when court delays or tenant defenses slow the process. Chicago’s tenant-friendly structure means hearings often take longer than expected.
• Lost rent during eviction typically totals $1,000–$3,000, depending on court timelines and sheriff wait periods.
• Turning over a unit adds $300–$1,200 for cleaning, repairs, lock changes, painting, and basic maintenance.
• Marketing and vacancy periods add $200–$600, depending on rental demand and listing platform costs.
• Larger units or properties needing extensive repairs after eviction may exceed $1,500 in turnover expenses.
Tenant Costs During Eviction (Financial Impact Overview)
Tenants experience significant financial burdens during eviction. Costs may include moving expenses, legal support, court fees, lost wages, emergency housing, and storage. These costs vary widely depending on available assistance, personal finances, and urgency of the move.
• Total tenant costs range $400–$2,200, depending on moving distance, storage needs, and eviction timeline.
• Emergency moves cost $600–$1,200, requiring quick packing, transportation, and temporary lodging.
• Tenants may pay $50–$150 in court-related expenses when responding to filings or retrieving case paperwork.
• Income loss from missed work often adds $100–$300, especially during court hearings or relocation tasks.
Moving, Transportation & Storage Costs for Tenants
One of the largest expenses tenants face during eviction is moving. Costs depend on household size, furniture volume, and needed storage services. Chicago’s moving rates are higher than national averages, particularly for last-minute moves.
• Local moving services cost $300–$700, depending on apartment size and number of movers required.
• Short-term storage costs $60–$180 per month, depending on unit size and storage facility location.
• Truck rentals cost $70–$120, with additional mileage fees depending on distance.
• Emergency movers may cost $500–$900, especially for same-day relocation.
Legal Assistance Costs for Tenants
Chicago tenants may seek legal help to defend against eviction, negotiate move-out dates, or request additional time in court. Some legal aid groups offer free support, but private representation increases total expenses.
• Private eviction-defense attorneys charge $300–$900, depending on case complexity and hours required for hearings or negotiations.
• Limited-scope representation costs $150–$350, offering short-term advice instead of full case handling.
• Filing motions or responses may cost $60–$100 depending on document preparation needs.
• Chicago has legal-aid programs offering free or low-cost defense for qualified tenants, reducing financial strain.
Emergency Housing & Temporary Accommodation Costs
Tenants facing eviction may require temporary accommodation until securing a new rental. Chicago’s short-term housing prices vary widely depending on season, location, and urgency.
• Short-term hotel stays cost $80–$160 per night, adding significant costs during extended housing searches.
• Renting a new apartment requires first month’s rent plus deposit, often totaling $1,500–$3,400 depending on unit size.
• Application fees cost $40–$70, depending on rental-provider screening processes.
• Tenants with pets may incur pet-deposit fees ranging $100–$300, increasing move-in expenses.
Factors That Affect Eviction Costs in Chicago
Eviction expenses differ significantly based on legal complexity, service requirements, and tenant cooperation. Chicago’s strong tenant-protection laws often increase attorney involvement, raising costs for both parties.
• Contested evictions require multiple hearings, increasing attorney fees and lost rent significantly.
• Tenants who file counterclaims under RLTO may prolong the case, increasing legal costs for landlords.
• Sheriff delays impact total financial losses by extending vacancy or preventing turnover.
• Emergency or last-minute moves increase tenant costs due to premium moving rates.
Ways Landlords Can Reduce Eviction Costs
Landlords in Chicago can reduce costs by following correct legal procedures, communicating early, and using structured agreements with tenants. Effective planning helps prevent prolonged court disputes or dismissed cases.
• Sending proper legal notices early prevents filing mistakes that delay cases and increase attorney hours.
• Offering cash-for-keys settlements reduces total expenses by avoiding court, often costing less than full eviction.
• Using clear leases compliant with RLTO reduces legal risk during disputes and saves long-term legal fees.
• Hiring experienced eviction attorneys prevents procedural errors that create expensive delays.
Ways Tenants Can Reduce Eviction Costs
Tenants can reduce financial impact by seeking legal assistance, negotiating with landlords, and planning moves early. Proactive steps lower emergency spending and avoid added complications.
• Requesting payment plans or negotiated move-out dates reduces legal exposure and emergency relocation costs.
• Contacting legal-aid groups may provide free representation, reducing attorney expenses.
• Preparing to move early ensures lower-cost movers instead of emergency same-day services.
• Seeking rental assistance programs may help cover owed rent and prevent eviction filings entirely.
Summary Table
| Category | Chicago Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Landlord Filing Fee | $287 |
| Landlord Attorney Fees | $800–$2,500 |
| Sheriff Lockout | $60–$200 |
| Lost Rent | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Tenant Moving Costs | $300–$700 |
| Tenant Legal Help | $150–$900 |
| Storage Costs | $60–$180 per month |
FAQ
1. How much does it cost to evict a tenant in Chicago?
Most landlords spend $1,200–$4,000, depending on attorney fees, lost rent, and sheriff costs.
2. How long does eviction take in Chicago?
Evictions take 3–10 weeks, depending on court schedules and whether tenants contest the case.
3. How much does a tenant spend during eviction?
Tenants usually spend $400–$2,200, depending on moving costs and legal support.
4. Do landlords need an attorney to evict someone?
Not legally, but most hire attorneys due to strict Chicago RLTO requirements.
5. How much is the sheriff lockout fee?
The Cook County Sheriff charges $60–$200, depending on unit type.
6. Can a tenant stop an eviction?
Yes, through legal defenses, payment agreements, or RLTO-based counterclaims.
7. What is the cheapest way for landlords to avoid eviction costs?
Cash-for-keys agreements often cost $200–$600, far less than full eviction.