Advice on how to evict a tenant in Chicago?

[Brandon Hill]

I don't think my tenant plans on paying rent anymore. Our relationship has soured and they are late which has never happened before. I also suspect that they are probably more savvy than the average tenant. What kinds of hurdles can I expect with this population?

I would rather not go through the courts. Some things I've thought of (sorry if these are bad ideas. I have not been through this before):

- Cut off their internet (not guaranteed in lease)

- Change locks

- Bribe (if so, how much?)

- Inform their employer?

I really don't know where to start. There is a clause in the lease allowing me to enter the premises to collect property to pay their debts but I have never acted on it before. Anyone have to resort to this?

[John Warren]

@Brandon Hill you want to stay away from most of the stuff here on your list. If a tenant doesn't pay, then you need to issue a 5 day notice which is free online. You hand them one copy and keep the other to get it notarized. If you want to non renew them, then you need to issue a 60 or 120 day notice depending on their length of residency. 

If you want to work something out you can. I have personally started moving away from this. So many housing providers were trying to pay off tenants during the pandemic that is becoming much less effective. I can wait for the court system if I must. It takes around 6-8 months for a full eviction if you want to know the worst case scenario, and it will cost you maybe 2k with an attorney. 

It sounds to me like you can go a long way here by educating yourself and potentially becoming a better housing provider. What is the repair? How did they get injured? These are all things that come up, and they need to be addressed carefully.