Illinois Notice to Pay Rent or Quit — Free Generator & 2026 Requirements
Updated July 2026 · Reviewed against Illinois statutes
When a tenant in Illinois falls behind on rent, you can't simply file for eviction — Illinois law requires you to first serve a written notice giving the tenant a chance to pay or move out. The required notice period is 5 days. This page explains the rules and generates a compliant notice you can print and serve today.
| Required notice period | 5 days |
| Statute | 735 ILCS 5/9-209 |
| Applies to | Nonpayment of rent |
⚠ Chicago and Cook County have additional local requirements.
Fill in the details
Your notice
How to serve this notice in Illinois
Frequently asked questions
How many days' notice is required for nonpayment of rent in Illinois?
Illinois requires 5 days' written notice before an eviction can be filed for nonpayment (735 ILCS 5/9-209). Chicago and Cook County have additional local requirements.
Can I email or text the notice to my tenant in Illinois?
Generally no. Most states, including Illinois, require formal service — personal delivery, delivery to a suitable person at the premises, posting plus mailing, or certified mail. Check your statute for the accepted methods and keep proof of service.
What happens if the tenant pays after receiving the notice?
If the tenant pays the full amount demanded within the notice period, the tenancy generally continues and you cannot proceed with an eviction based on that notice. Partial payments can complicate or void the notice in some states — decide in advance whether to accept them.