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Cook County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Illinois landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) in Cook County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$264
Filing fee
3–5 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Cook County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Cook County — What Landlords Should Know

Cook County has the most complex eviction process in Illinois. Chicago landlords must also comply with the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), which adds additional notice and habitability requirements. An eviction attorney is strongly recommended.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Cook County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Cook County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Cook County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Illinois law.

2

File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) at Richard J. Daley Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington St., Room 602, Chicago, IL 60602). The filing fee is $264. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available at https://efilingil.com.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Cook County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $60. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Cook County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Illinois Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Illinois.

Cook County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $264 Paid to Cook County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $60 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$51–$60 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Cook County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Cook County?

The typical Cook County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Cook County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Cook County?

The court filing fee in Cook County is $264. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($60), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$51–$60), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $375–$384.

What court handles evictions in Cook County?

Evictions in Cook County are filed at the Richard J. Daley Center, located at 50 W. Washington St., Room 602, Chicago, IL 60602. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED).

Can I file an eviction online in Cook County?

Yes, Cook County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases through https://efilingil.com. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Cook County?

Illinois law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Cook County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Cook County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois.

See full Illinois eviction laws and notice requirements.

Illinois Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Illinois.

Illinois Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Cook County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Cook County →

Relevant Illinois Statutes