FIVE-DAY NOTICE
(Illinois)
[// GUIDANCE: This notice is governed by the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. Illinois law requires a minimum of FIVE (5) days' notice to pay rent or quit for nonpayment of rent pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/9-209. IMPORTANT: Chicago and Cook County have additional tenant protection ordinances that may require longer notice periods or additional procedures. Verify local requirements before use.]
NOTICE INFORMATION
Date of Notice: [DATE]
Tenant Name(s): [TENANT FULL LEGAL NAME(S)]
Rental Property Address:
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], Illinois [ZIP CODE]
[UNIT/APT NUMBER, if applicable]
FIVE-DAY NOTICE
TO: [TENANT FULL LEGAL NAME(S)] AND ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there is now due and unpaid rent on the premises you occupy, situated in the County of [COUNTY], State of Illinois, and known as [FULL ADDRESS INCLUDING UNIT NUMBER], of which the undersigned is the Lessor/Agent, the following amount:
AMOUNT DUE
| Rental Period | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL RENT DUE | $[TOTAL] |
[// GUIDANCE: Under 735 ILCS 5/9-209, the notice must state the amount of rent due. Illinois courts have held that only rent may be demanded in a five-day notice - do NOT include late fees, utilities, or other charges.]
DEMAND
And you are hereby notified that payment of said amount is hereby demanded, and that unless payment thereof is made on or before the expiration of FIVE (5) DAYS after the service of this notice, your lease of said premises will be terminated.
Only FULL PAYMENT of the amount shown above will waive the landlord's right to terminate the lease under this notice.
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If you fail to pay the full amount of rent owed within the five (5) day period, the Landlord may:
- Terminate your lease;
- File a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in the Illinois Circuit Court pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.;
- Seek a judgment for possession of the premises;
- Seek a money judgment for all unpaid rent and court costs;
- Seek reasonable attorney's fees if provided in the lease agreement.
PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Payment of the above sum will be accepted at:
Name: [LANDLORD NAME OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY]
Address:
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], Illinois [ZIP CODE]
Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]
Payment Methods Accepted: [CHECK / MONEY ORDER / CASHIER'S CHECK / CERTIFIED FUNDS]
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICES
-
Right to Pay and Remain: If you pay the FULL amount of rent due within the five (5) day period, your lease will not be terminated and you may remain in possession.
-
Partial Payment Warning: Acceptance of partial payment does not waive the landlord's right to terminate the lease and seek possession unless the landlord agrees in writing.
-
Chicago Residents: If the premises are located in the City of Chicago, additional protections may apply under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), including possible longer notice requirements. Contact the City of Chicago for more information.
-
Cook County Residents: The Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance may provide additional protections. Verify local requirements.
-
Warranty of Habitability: Under 765 ILCS 735/1 et seq., landlords must maintain rental premises in habitable condition. You may have defenses if there are serious building code violations.
-
Prohibited Retaliation: Illinois law (765 ILCS 720/1) prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights.
-
Security Deposit: Your security deposit will be handled in accordance with the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/1) and applicable local ordinances.
-
Military Personnel: If you are a servicemember on active duty, you may have additional rights under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.).
-
Legal Assistance: For legal help, contact:
- Legal Aid Chicago: (312) 341-1070
- Illinois State Bar Lawyer Referral: (800) 252-8908
- Metropolitan Tenants Organization (Chicago): (773) 292-4988
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
This notice is made without waiving any rights or remedies of the Landlord, all of which are expressly reserved. This notice is intended to comply with 735 ILCS 5/9-209 and serves as notice that the lease will be terminated if the rent due is not paid within five days.
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that a copy of this Five-Day Notice was served upon the above-named Tenant(s) on [DATE OF SERVICE] by the following method:
☐ Personal delivery to Tenant
☐ Leaving a copy with a family member or other person residing at the premises of the age of 13 years or older and informing that person of the contents AND mailing a copy
☐ Sending a copy by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested
☐ Posting on the premises (if no one in actual possession can be found)
[// GUIDANCE: 735 ILCS 5/9-211 provides methods of service for five-day notices. Proper service is essential to a valid eviction case.]
LANDLORD/AGENT SIGNATURE
Landlord/Authorized Agent Name (Print): [PRINT NAME]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: [DATE]
Address:
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
[CITY], Illinois [ZIP CODE]
Telephone: [PHONE NUMBER]
PROOF OF SERVICE
Server Name: [PRINT NAME OF PERSON WHO SERVED NOTICE]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date of Service: [DATE]
Time of Service: [TIME]
Method of Service: [DESCRIBE METHOD USED]
This notice is intended to comply with the requirements of 735 ILCS 5/9-209. Illinois has strict procedural requirements for eviction notices and actions. Local ordinances in Chicago and Cook County may impose additional requirements. This template does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Illinois attorney for guidance specific to your situation.