Illinois Eviction Act: 735 ILCS 5/Art. IX Appearance & Answer

735 ILCS 5 Article IX (Illinois Eviction Act)

Evictions in Illinois proceed under the Illinois Eviction Act (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.). The tenant must file a formal written Appearance by the return date designated on the summons.

Cook County & Chicago RLTO Protections

In Chicago, tenants are shielded by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), which imposes strict statutory duties on landlords and allows tenants to withhold rent or deduct repairs for housing code non-compliance. In Cook County, cases must first proceed through the mandatory Early Resolution Program (ERP) before trial.