At the end of this month, the federal eviction moratorium will expire. However, Illinois is set to phase out its eviction moratorium in August. Many tenants who have been unable to pay their rent are at risk of eviction.
If you or someone you know is at risk of eviction, here are some steps to take now.
Find a Way to Pay Your Rent
Reach out to your local township or municipality. Many of them have emergency assistance or general assistance funds. Some area community partners provide limited financial assistance. Because these vary by location, please get in touch with us for details.
Communicate with Your Landlord
Please reach out to your landlord about the missed payments and try to work out a payments plan. If your landlord is unresponsive, please contact our mediation staff, and we will assist in communicating with your landlord or provide a third-party neutral mediator. However, if you reside in Chicago, please reach out to CCR (Center for Conflict Mediation).
If an Eviction Has Been Filed, Here are Steps to Take
Reach out to one of our community partners. If you live in the City of Evanston, please get in touch with the Moran Center. If you reside on the North Shore, North Suburban Legal Aid can be of assistance.
Learn your legal rights. Contact Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD). They will be able to assist with answering legal questions about the eviction process.
If Moving is the Best Option
Contact your local affordable housing complexes to find out about availability.
Work with your local HUD housing Counselor for rental research and locating new housing. If you are in our area of service, contact us. If you are outside of our area of service, the HUD website has more information.
If you cannot find housing through market-rate units or affordable housing, please look into Homeshare programs.
Reach out to family and friends to see if staying with them is an option.
Secure storage for any items that you are unable to take with you but wish to keep.
Contact us, and one of our housing counselors will be happy to talk with you and help you navigate the process.
