Eviction costs in Chicago IL in 2026 range $1,200–$4,500 for landlords and $400–$2,300 for tenants, depending on legal fees, court filings, sheriff enforcement, moving costs, storage, and emergency housing. Landlords typically pay $287 in court filing fees, $800–$2,500 in attorney fees, and $60–$200 for sheriff lockouts. Tenants spend money on moving, storage, legal help, and replacement housing, often totaling $600–$1,500. Chicago’s strict RLTO requirements, court delays, and contested hearings can increase total expenses. Most eviction cases in Chicago result in combined landlord and tenant spending between $2,000–$5,500 in 2026.
Eviction in Chicago costs $1,200–$4,500 for landlords and $400–$2,300 for tenants in 2026. Learn filing fees, attorney charges, sheriff costs, moving expenses, and total eviction impacts.
Total Cost of Eviction for Chicago Landlords (2026)
Evicting a tenant in Chicago involves multiple legal and administrative steps under Cook County court rules and Chicago’s RLTO protections. Landlords face costs including filing fees, notice service, attorney fees, lost rent, and sheriff lockout charges. These expenses change depending on whether the eviction is uncontested or contested, how long the process takes, and how much rent remains unpaid.
• Landlord eviction costs range $1,200–$4,500, depending on case complexity, legal support, and court delays.
• Simple uncontested cases cost $1,200–$2,000, especially when tenants move out after initial notices.
• Contested cases requiring multiple hearings cost $2,000–$4,500, often involving attorney arguments and evidence preparation.
• Additional turnover expenses such as cleaning, repairs, lock changes, and lost rent add $300–$1,200.
Attorney Fees for Landlords During Eviction
Legal fees are the highest cost for most landlords because Chicago’s tenant-protection laws require precise filing and courtroom procedures. Attorneys handle filings, notices, negotiations, hearings, and sheriff coordination. Costs rise when tenants file defenses or counterclaims under the RLTO, which is common in Chicago cases.
• Attorney fees range $800–$2,500, depending on contested issues and time spent preparing the case.
• Uncontested evictions average $800–$1,200, requiring fewer hearings and limited discovery work.
• Contested RLTO-based hearings cost $1,500–$3,500, often extending through multiple court dates and motion filings.
• Attorney hourly rates range $200–$375, depending on firm specialization in Chicago eviction law.
Court Filing, Summons & Case-Processing Fees
Eviction cases must be filed through the Cook County Circuit Court. Case costs increase when landlords seek back rent or additional damages. Filing fees must be paid upfront before the eviction case proceeds to court scheduling and tenant notification.
• Standard eviction filing costs $287, covering lawsuit initiation and tenant notification requirements.
• Filing with added monetary claims raises fees to $350–$420, depending on money judgment requested.
• Summons service costs $60–$90, covering professional process service to legally notify tenants.
• Court motions may add $20–$50 for each additional filing during the case.
Sheriff Lockout Fees in Chicago
If a tenant does not leave voluntarily after a court order, landlords must use the Cook County Sheriff to perform a legal lockout. Illinois forbids self-help eviction, making sheriff involvement mandatory for forced removal. Scheduling delays may increase total landlord losses through additional unpaid rent.
• Sheriff enforcement fees cost $60–$200, depending on unit size, entry complexity, and scheduling demand.
• Sheriff wait times may delay lockouts, increasing lost rent and extending vacancy periods before re-renting.
• Landlords must provide movers or hire labor for belongings removal, adding $150–$400 depending on volume.
• Lock changes after sheriff enforcement add $60–$180, depending on door hardware and locksmith availability.
Lost Rent, Vacancy & Turnover Costs for Landlords
Lost rent is typically the largest expense during Chicago evictions, especially in contested cases where tenants remain in place for weeks or months. Additional turnover work such as repairs and cleaning also adds substantial cost before the property can be re-listed.
• Lost rent during eviction averages $1,000–$3,000, depending on court delays and sheriff scheduling.
• Turnover cleaning and repairs cost $300–$1,200, depending on unit condition after the tenant vacates.
• Marketing, photography, and re-listing fees cost $100–$300, depending on rental platforms and professional services.
• Longer vacancy periods can add $200–$600, especially during winter months when rental demand is lower.
Total Cost of Eviction for Tenants (2026)
Tenants facing eviction in Chicago experience financial burdens including moving expenses, storage, legal representation, emergency housing, and lost wages. Costs vary depending on urgency of the move, the volume of belongings, and ability to secure new rental housing quickly.
• Total tenant eviction costs range $400–$2,300, depending on moving distance, storage needs, and legal involvement.
• Emergency moves cost $600–$1,200, especially when performed within short notice or under sheriff orders.
• Tenants may incur $50–$150 in court fees and document retrieval expenses while responding to filings.
• Additional costs include missed work, new deposits, application fees, and temporary housing.
Moving Costs for Evicted Tenants
Moving is often the most significant expense for tenants. Costs rise sharply when moves must be completed within days or require third-party movers. Chicago’s moving rates are higher in peak seasons and for last-minute requests.
• Local movers cost $300–$700, depending on apartment size and number of movers required.
• Same-day emergency movers cost $500–$900, especially when packing assistance is needed.
• Truck rentals cost $70–$120, with additional mileage charges depending on distance traveled.
• Packing supplies such as boxes and tape add $30–$70, depending on items needing transport.
Storage, Transportation & Temporary Housing Costs
Evicted tenants often require storage units or short-term housing until securing a new rental. Chicago storage and hotel rates vary widely depending on season and availability, affecting overall eviction-related expenses.
• Storage units cost $60–$180 per month, depending on size and facility location.
• Temporary hotel stays cost $80–$160 per night, adding costs during extended housing searches or application processing delays.
• New rental deposits often cost $1,000–$2,000, including security deposits and first month’s rent.
• Application and screening fees cost $40–$70, depending on landlord requirements.
Legal Assistance & Court-Related Costs for Tenants
Tenants often seek legal support to negotiate move-out timelines, defend in court, or challenge landlord claims. Chicago offers strong tenant protection but legal aid availability depends on case type and financial eligibility.
• Private eviction attorneys charge $300–$900, depending on representation level and case complexity.
• Limited-scope representation costs $150–$300, offering short-term advice on court procedures or settlement.
• Some tenants qualify for free legal aid through Chicago nonprofit housing organizations.
• Filing responses or motions may require $60–$100, depending on document complexity.
Factors That Affect Eviction Costs in Chicago
Both landlords and tenants face cost variations based on legal, procedural, and situational factors. Chicago’s detailed tenant rights laws often prolong cases and increase expenses for both parties. Understanding these factors helps families and property owners budget accurately.
• Contested evictions significantly increase attorney fees and lost rent for landlords.
• Emergency or forced moves increase tenant moving and storage costs due to last-minute scheduling.
• Sheriff delays prolong vacancies and multiply landlord losses during extended lockout timelines.
• RLTO-based defenses increase complexity, requiring additional hearings and legal preparation.
Ways to Reduce Eviction Costs for Landlords
Landlords in Chicago can lower eviction costs through early intervention, legal compliance, and negotiation. Avoiding court involvement often saves thousands and reduces the emotional toll associated with eviction.
• Offering cash-for-keys agreements costing $200–$600 may save thousands in legal and lost-rent expenses.
• Communicating early with tenants may resolve disputes before eviction becomes necessary.
• Following exact RLTO notice requirements prevents case dismissal and costly refiling.
• Hiring experienced eviction attorneys reduces procedural mistakes that prolong court cases.
Ways Tenants Can Reduce Eviction Costs
Tenants can reduce financial strain during eviction with careful planning, communication, and support services. Chicago offers resources for tenants seeking emergency housing or legal guidance during the eviction process.
• Negotiating move-out dates may reduce emergency moving costs and prevent sheriff lockouts.
• Seeking legal-aid groups may provide free representation, lowering total legal costs.
• Preparing early for relocation helps avoid expensive last-minute movers and hotel stays.
• Requesting rental assistance may help cover owed rent, potentially stopping the eviction process.
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 Storage Costs | $60–$180/month |
| Tenant Legal Help | $150–$900 |
FAQ
1. How much does eviction cost in Chicago?
Eviction costs $1,200–$4,500 for landlords and $400–$2,300 for tenants, depending on legal fees, moving, and storage.
2. Why are eviction costs high in Chicago?
Chicago’s RLTO laws require strict procedures, attorney involvement, and formal court hearings.
3. How long does eviction take in Chicago?
Most evictions take 3–10 weeks, depending on court scheduling and tenant response.
4. What is the filing fee for eviction?
Cook County charges $287 for standard eviction filings.
5. Do tenants pay anything during eviction?
Tenants may pay moving costs, storage, court fees, and legal help, totaling $400–$2,300.
6. Can landlords evict without a sheriff in Chicago?
No. Self-help evictions are illegal. A sheriff must perform the lockout.
7. What is the cheapest way to avoid eviction?
For landlords and tenants, a negotiated move-out or cash-for-keys agreement often costs far less than full eviction.