Quick Answer
In Illinois, for a lease violation other than unpaid rent, the Attorney General describes a 10-day written notice. The notice describes the violation specifically and gives the tenant the opportunity to cure it. If the violation continues after the period, you may file in court, where you carry the burden of proof. Statute text last checked October 22, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Ten days. The notice period for non-rent violations.
- Be specific. Name the lease section and the conduct.
- Offer a cure. Say what would fix the issue.
- Document everything. Dates, photographs and prior communications.
- Use the court. Possession is recovered by a case and a sheriff.
1. Choose a Real Violation
Match the notice to a clear lease term, such as an unauthorized occupant, a pet policy, or property damage. Review the lease section and quote its number in the notice.
2. Describe the Facts
State what you observed, on what date, and how you know. Attach photographs or a neighbor’s dated note if you have them. Facts persuade more than adjectives.
3. State the Cure
Say what the tenant can do to fix the matter and by what date. A tenant who cures in time has resolved the notice, so record the cure in writing.
4. Delivery and Records
Deliver the notice by a method you can document and keep a copy. Record the date and who delivered it. Keep a short log of any conversation with the tenant afterwards.
5. If the Violation Continues
You file a case, serve the summons and complaint, and prove the violation at the hearing. Only a sheriff carries out the eviction after a judgment. Self-help steps are not allowed.
6. A Checklist
- Identify the lease term and gather dated evidence.
- Write the notice with facts, cure and the 10-day end date.
- Deliver and record.
- Inspect on the end date and note the result.
- If unresolved, consult the court process or an attorney.
A Short Sample of the Wording
A clear notice reads in plain sentences: the address, the lease section, what was observed and when, what the tenant can do to fix it, and the last day to do so. Avoid argument and adjectives. Add your phone number and an invitation to talk, because many notices end with a conversation and a fix.
Keep a Timeline
Write down each event with its date: the first complaint or observation, any conversation, the notice, delivery, and the result on the end date. A one-page timeline is easy to share with an attorney or the court and keeps your own account consistent.
7. What This Guide Does Not Cover
This guide covers the notice stage for non-rent violations. It does not cover criminal conduct, health and safety emergencies, or Chicago’s ordinance. It states the statute and does not predict how a court will rule.
8. Questions Owners Ask
Is ten days a minimum? It is the period the Attorney General’s summary describes for non-rent violations.
Can I combine rent and a violation in one notice? Use separate notices so each period and cure are clear.
What if the tenant fixes it on day nine? Record the cure in writing and close the matter.