\The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped housing laws in unprecedented ways, fundamentally altering eviction processes in Chicago. While eviction moratoriums are no longer in place, their impact continues to influence legal standards, court procedures, and housing policies.

Evictions are always a delicate issue, but the pandemic highlighted the struggles of vulnerable tenants while also posing challenges for landlords. As of 2021, over 15% of Chicago renters were behind on rent due to pandemic-related hardships (National Equity Atlas). These challenges forced courts to adapt eviction procedures, emphasizing mediation and prioritizing fairness.

1. Eviction Moratoriums: A Temporary Pause with Lasting Effects

What Changed?

At the height of the pandemic, Illinois issued a statewide eviction moratorium, temporarily halting the eviction of tenants who could not pay rent due to COVID-19-related hardships. The moratorium, which began in March 2020, was extended multiple times before officially ending on October 3, 2021.

However, landlords were not entirely powerless during this period. The moratorium allowed evictions for reasons other than nonpayment of rent, including:

  • Lease violations (e.g., property damage, illegal activity).
  • Tenants posing health and safety risks.
  • Holding over after a lease expired, in certain cases.

Long-Term Impact on Evictions in Chicago

Although the eviction moratorium is over, its effects still linger:

  • Stronger court scrutiny: Judges now closely examine eviction cases, ensuring landlords followed proper notice and legal procedures.
  • Delays in eviction processing: Chicago courts are still catching up on backlogged eviction cases, meaning some disputes take longer to resolve.
  • Increased focus on mediation: Courts now encourage landlords and tenants to reach settlements before eviction trials, reducing case loads.

➡ For landlords: Proper documentation is now more important than ever. Ensure all notices, lease agreements, and payment records are in order before filing an eviction case.
➡ For tenants: Even though the moratorium is over, legal aid programs and mediation options remain available to help delay or resolve evictions.

📌 Resource: State of Illinois Eviction Moratorium Information

2. Rental Assistance Programs Helped Prevent Mass Evictions

What Changed?

During the pandemic, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to help struggling tenants pay rent and avoid eviction. Chicago also received federal relief funds, allowing tenants to apply for rental assistance grants.

Key Facts About Rental Assistance Programs

  • Illinois distributed over $834 million in rental assistance from 2020 to 2022.
  • Tenants could receive up to 15 months of rent relief if they proved COVID-19-related financial hardship.
  • Many eviction cases were paused or dismissed when tenants applied for assistance.

What’s Still Available?

While most pandemic-related rental assistance programs have ended, some funds remain available for tenants facing financial hardship. Chicago tenants can still apply for help through:

  • The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
  • The City of Chicago’s Rental Assistance Program

➡ For landlords: Before filing an eviction case, check if your tenant is eligible for rental assistance—it could help you recover unpaid rent without the time and expense of an eviction lawsuit.
➡ For tenants: Applying for rental assistance can buy you time and help you avoid eviction by paying back rent owed.

📌 Resource: Illinois Rental Assistance Programs

3. New Court Procedures & Mediation Programs for Evictions

What Changed?

Prior to the pandemic, eviction hearings in Cook County were often quick and heavily landlord-favored. However, due to COVID-19’s economic impact, courts restructured the eviction process to allow tenants more time to respond, negotiate, and seek legal assistance.

Now, Chicago eviction courts strongly encourage mediation programs before proceeding to trial.

How Mediation Helps Both Landlords & Tenants

  • Tenants: Mediation allows tenants to negotiate repayment plans or agree on move-out dates, avoiding an eviction judgment on their record.
  • Landlords: Mediation can help landlords recover unpaid rent faster without enduring months of court delays.

The Current Eviction Court Process in Chicago

Today, eviction cases follow a more structured process than before the pandemic:

  1. Landlord files an eviction case with the Cook County Circuit Court.
  2. Tenants receive notice and are referred to mediation (if eligible).
  3. If mediation fails, the case moves to a court hearing.
  4. If the court grants an eviction order, tenants are given 14 days to vacate.
  5. If tenants do not leave, the Cook County Sheriff enforces the eviction order.

➡ For landlords: Be prepared to participate in mediation, as courts often favor settlements over evictions.
➡ For tenants: Mediation can give you a chance to negotiate better terms, such as more time to move out or a reduced payment plan.

📌 Resource: Cook County Eviction Mediation Program

4. Tenants Now Have Stronger Legal Defenses Against Evictions

What Changed?

Because of the pandemic’s economic hardships, Chicago courts have become more tenant-friendly, granting more eviction case dismissals, delays, or settlements in favor of renters.

Stronger Tenant Defenses Include:

1. Retaliation Claims: If a tenant reported unsafe living conditions before being evicted, the eviction may be dismissed as retaliatory.
2. Habitability Defenses: Tenants can argue they withheld rent because their landlord failed to make necessary repairs (like heat or plumbing issues).
3. Discrimination Protections: Tenants facing disability-related evictions may claim violations of fair housing laws.
4. COVID-19 Hardship Considerations: Some judges still consider pandemic-related financial struggles when deciding eviction cases.

➡ For landlords: Ensure all eviction notices and procedures are legally valid to avoid dismissal or legal challenges.
➡ For tenants: If you’re facing eviction, you may have legal defenses that can help you delay or fight the eviction.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Tenants Rights Group LLC. Laws and regulations change frequently, and the information contained herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. If you need legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.

If you’re a landlord trying to remove a non-paying tenant or a tenant facing eviction, having an experienced attorney on your side is essential.

📞 Need help with an eviction case? Contact Tenants Rights Group LLC today at (312) 619-9603 or schedule a consultation for expert legal guidance.