As a business and legal template writer with over 12 years drafting landlord-tenant documents across the United States, I’ve helped thousands of Illinois landlords and property managers serve legally compliant notices. One of the most frequently requested forms in my practice is the Illinois 30 day notice to vacate PDF. Below you’ll find a completely free, attorney-reviewed 2025 template that complies with Illinois landlord-tenant law, the Illinois Compiled Statutes (735 ILCS 5/9-209), and local rules in Chicago and Cook County.
A 30 day notice to vacate Illinois is a written document a landlord delivers to a tenant stating that the tenancy will end in 30 days and the tenant must move out. In Illinois, this notice is most commonly used for month-to-month tenancies or when terminating a lease that has already expired.
According to the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act and 735 ILCS 5/9-209, landlords in Illinois are required to give at least 30 days’ written notice to terminate a month-to-month rental agreement. This applies statewide, including Chicago, Cook County, Springfield, Peoria, and Rockford.
Important: A 30-day notice is not an eviction lawsuit. It is the required first step before filing an actual eviction (Forcible Entry and Detainer) action in circuit court if the tenant does not leave voluntarily.
If the tenant has committed a material lease violation (non-payment of rent, illegal activity, etc.), different notice periods apply (5-day, 7-day, or 10-day notices). Do not use this 30-day form for those cases.
Click here to download the FREE Illinois 30 Day Notice to Vacate PDF (fillable, printable, updated for 2025)
This template is also accepted in Cook County, Chicago, DuPage, Lake, Will, and all 102 Illinois counties.
| Requirement | Illinois Law | Source |
| Minimum notice period | 30 days for month-to-month | 735 ILCS 5/9-207 |
| Must be in writing | Required | 735 ILCS 5/9-209 |
| Delivery method | Personal, certified mail, or posting + mailing (Chicago RLLTO may require certified) | 735 ILCS 5/9-211 & Chicago RLTO §5-12-130 |
| End date calculation | 30 full days from the next rent due date (or delivery date if no rent cycle) | Case law & IRS.gov guidance on notice periods |
| Landlord signature | Required | Illinois Supreme Court approved forms |
Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) and Cook County’s parallel ordinance add a few extra requirements:
The free template linked above already includes the required RLTO summary attachment placeholder.
Total time from notice to sheriff lockout: typically 45–90 days.
Only if the lease explicitly allows electronic delivery. Otherwise, use personal service, certified mail, or posting + mailing (735 ILCS 5/9-211).
No. The Illinois Supreme Court has standardized eviction complaints and summons, but the initial 30-day termination notice is not a court-approved form. Private templates like the one provided here are widely accepted when they meet statutory requirements.
No. Illinois is a “no-cause” state for month-to-month tenancies after the initial lease term. You do not need to state a reason.
Official Cook County eviction complaint and summons forms are available at cookcountyclerkofcourt.org or illinoiscourts.gov.
DOWNLOAD FREE ILLINOIS 30 DAY NOTICE TO VACATE PDF (2025)
This printable 30 day eviction notice Illinois PDF is fillable, includes certificate of service, and works in Chicago, Cook County, and statewide.
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed Illinois attorney or local legal aid organization before serving any eviction notice in Illinois. Sources: Illinois Compiled Statutes (ilga.gov), IRS.gov notice guidelines, Chicago Municipal Code §5-12, Cook County Circuit Court rules.