How do I force someone living at my home rent free to get out?

Full question:

I have some people living in my house and they are not paying any rent or utilities. Can I just tell them to get out? I have informed them that they must be out by the first of April 09 and they are still there what recorse do I have?

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Lease Termination
  • Date:
  • State: Illinois

Answer:

A person who resides indefinitely and who is not under a written lease is typically considered a tenant-at-will. In Illinois, a tenant-at-will must be provided with a written notice to leave the premises either 7 days (for a weekly tenancy) or 30 days (for a tenancy less than a year but longer than a week) in advance of the time specified to move out. If the person fails to leave after the notice is delivered, an eviction action may be brought.

The following are IL statutes:

735 ILCS 5/9-207 (from Ch. 110, par. 9-207)

Sec. 9-207. Notice to terminate tenancy for less than a
year. In all cases of tenancy from week to week, where the
tenant holds over without special agreement, the landlord
may terminate the tenancy by 7 days' notice, in writing, and
may maintain an action for forcible entry and detainer or
ejectment.

In all cases of tenancy for any term less than one year,
other than tenancy from week to week, where the tenant holds
over without special agreement, the landlord may terminate
the tenancy by 30 days' notice, in writing, and may maintain
an action for forcible entry and detainer or ejectment.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In Illinois, a guest may be considered a tenant if they stay for an extended period, typically more than a few days or weeks. If they receive mail at your address or contribute to household expenses, this may further establish their status as a tenant. Generally, if someone stays for more than 30 days, they may have tenant rights under the law.