Date: May 20, 2021

Illinois Evictions During the Pandemic

Being a tenant to a landlord has its up and downs and that is especially true nowadays. With the onset of COVID-19 many uncertainties and questions were raised. One of the most important questions asked was “can I be evicted during the pandemic?” This articles main purpose is to educate tenants and show where they stand when it comes to evictions during the pandemic.

Do I Have to Pay Rent?

In short, the answer is yes. The only instance where you would not have to pay rent would be listed somewhere in your lease. To clarify, some lease have special protections. Therefore, if your lease does not grant special protections, you will have to pay rent. Most importantly, people should know they are responsible for their normal obligations, prior to COVID-19.

Can My Landlord Lower My Payments?

Public Housing

Firstly, the answer to this question depends on your style of housing. To begin we will start with public housing. Public housing can be broken down as housing where both the tenant and landlord receive help from the government. Let’s say that your income took a hit because of COVID-19, you may ask your landlord or public housing authority to lower your payment.

Private Housing

Tenants should be aware that their lease is an agreement by them and their landlords. In a sense, your lease is your contract with your housing provider. That being said, you are more than welcome to discuss your lease with your landlord. Below are a few questions to keep in mind when talking to your landlord.

Can my rent be lowered till the pandemic is over?
Can I go on a payment plan?

No matter what the outcome of these conversations are, be sure to document it.

Missing Rent Payments Due to COVID-19

This is probably the most asked and worried about question regarding the pandemic. Again, tenants should be aware that they can talk to their landlords about payment plans. In the event you find no luck in doing so, you may turn to the government for assistance. However, in order to receive help from the government a few things will be needed from you. The government in this instance will consider your age, where you live, housing situation, and income. Factors like these determine if the government will help you or not.

Acceptable Reasons for Missing Rent Payments

Regardless if you can or cannot make your rent payment on time, you must be putting forth an effort. Below are acceptable reasons for missing rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loss of work, cut income or hours.
The Person involved was laid off.
The persons medical expenses are greater than 7.5% of his or her total income.

Can I be Evicted?

In short, it is possible for you to be evicted during the pandemic, though state and federal government have made it difficult. To clarify, both local and federal governments have setup rules and passed executive orders to make evicting people tough. Specifically, in Illinois, Governor Pritzker passed executive order 2020-72, which made it so that landlords cannot easily evict. Below are acceptable reasons for missing rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eviction Ban in Illinois

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention has also made it hard for landlords to evict during the pandemic. The CDC themselves recommended eviction bans during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the ban is effective until June 30^th, 2021. The eviction ban includes any of the following types of housing.