Free 5 Day Eviction Notice Illinois Template – 2025 Download (Compliant with Illinois Law)

As a real estate attorney who has drafted and reviewed thousands of landlord-tenant notices in Illinois over the past twelve years, I created this free 5 day eviction notice Illinois template specifically for landlords who need a fast, legally compliant solution for late rent. Whether you manage property in Chicago, Cook County, or downstate, this five day notice Illinois meets the requirements of 735 ILCS 5/9-209 and has been updated for 2025. Below you’ll find the downloadable Word and PDF versions, plus a complete guide on when and how to use it properly.

Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your specific situation may have unique facts. Always consult an Illinois-licensed attorney or your local legal aid office before serving any eviction notice.

Download Free 5 Day Notice Illinois Template – Word .docx
Download Free 5 Day Notice Illinois Template – PDF

What Is a Five Day Notice Illinois and When Must You Use It?

In Illinois, the five day eviction notice Illinois (commonly called the “5 day notice”) is the required first step when a tenant fails to pay rent. According to 735 ILCS 5/9-209 and the Illinois Compiled Statutes, a landlord cannot file a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) lawsuit in court until the tenant has been served with this written notice and at least five full days have passed without the tenant paying the full amount due.

The notice is mandatory for:

• Any residential lease where rent is late
• Month-to-month tenancies in Chicago and throughout Illinois
• Section 8 / HUD tenants (with additional HUD notice requirements)
• Subsidized housing (check specific program rules)

You do not need a 5 day notice if you are terminating a tenancy for reasons other than non-payment (lease violation, crime, etc.). Those situations usually require a 10-day or 30-day notice.

Key Differences: Chicago vs. Cook County vs. Rest of Illinois

While the state statute is the same everywhere, local ordinances create important variations:

Location	Grace Period	Late Fee Limits	Additional Rules
City of Chicago (RLTO)	None required by ordinance	$10/month for first $500, then 5%	Must accept rent during the 5 days to waive eviction right
Cook County (outside Chicago)	None required	Reasonable late fees allowed	Follows state law only
Rest of Illinois	None required	No state cap	Pure state law

Source: Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance § 5-12-140 and Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance.

Step-by-Step: How to Correctly Fill Out and Serve the 5 Day Notice Illinois

Follow these steps to avoid having your case dismissed in court:

1. List every adult tenant by name – Include “and all other occupants” if you don’t know everyone.
2. Exact address – Include unit number and city.
3. Exact amount owed – Only rent and allowed late fees (see IRS.gov for reference on record-keeping, though not directly applicable). Do NOT include attorney fees, court costs, or future rent.
4. Break down the rent period(s) – Example: “Rent for October 2025: $1,200; Rent for November 2025: $1,200”.
5. State the five-day deadline clearly – Count five full days starting the day after service.
6. Include your (landlord’s) name, address, and phone – Required by 735 ILCS 5/9-209.
7. Certificate of Service – Sign and date how you delivered it.

Acceptable Service Methods in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/9-212)

• Personal delivery to the tenant
• Leaving with any person 13+ at the premises
• Posting on the door AND mailing by certified/first-class mail (recommended in Chicago)

Free Downloadable 5 Day Eviction Notice Illinois Template (2025 Version)

Click the buttons below to instantly download the template I personally use with my landlord clients:

DOWNLOAD WORD VERSION (.docx)

DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

The template includes:

• Chicago RLTO-compliant language
• Cook County version toggle
• Space for multiple months owed
• Proper statutory citations
• Certificate of service section

Common Mistakes That Get 5 Day Notices Rejected in Court

In my experience representing landlords in Cook County and across Illinois, these are the top reasons judges dismiss cases:

• Demanding non-rent items (utilities, pet fees, attorney fees)
• Wrong math or missing rent breakdown
• Counting the day of service as “Day 1”
• Not serving every adult tenant
• Accepting partial payment without written reservation of rights (especially in Chicago)

What Happens After the 5 Days Expire?

If the tenant still has not paid in full after midnight on the 5th day:

1. File an eviction lawsuit (Forcible Entry and Detainer) at your county courthouse
2. Pay filing fees (approximately $250–$400 in Cook County depending on amount owed)
3. Serve summons and complaint
4. Attend court (usually 14–21 days after filing)

If the tenant pays everything demanded in the notice before you file, you generally cannot proceed with eviction for that non-payment (Chicago RLTO is strict on this).

Frequently Asked Questions About the 5 Day Notice Chicago & Illinois

Can I charge late fees in the 5 day notice?
Yes, but only if your lease allows them and they are reasonable. Chicago caps late fees (see table above).

Do weekends and holidays count in the 5 days?
Yes. The five days are calendar days, not business days.

Can I use this for commercial tenants?
No. Commercial tenants require a different 5 day notice under 735 ILCS 5/9-104.1.

Does the CARES Act or eviction moratorium still apply in 2025?
The federal moratorium expired in 2021. Illinois has no statewide moratorium as of November 2025, but check local ordinances.

Final Thoughts from an Experienced Illinois Landlord-Tenant Attorney

Having a rock-solid five day notice Illinois is the foundation of every successful eviction case. I’ve seen landlords lose weeks of time and thousands in unpaid rent because of a single typo or missing statutory phrase. Use the free template above, double-check your numbers, and serve it correctly – you’ll dramatically increase your chances of a smooth process.

Again, this is not legal advice. If you have any doubt, spend the $200–$300 for a quick consultation with a local eviction attorney – it’s far cheaper than starting over after a dismissal.

Download your free 5 day eviction notice Illinois template now and stay compliant in 2025.

↓ Download Free 5 Day Notice Illinois (Word)

↓ Download Free 5 Day Notice Illinois (PDF)

References:
Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 ILCS 5/9-209 – ilga.gov
IRS Recordkeeping Guidelines (general reference) – irs.gov