Eviction and mortgage help and resources
Know your rights: evictions and rental assistance
The IL statewide ban on evictions ended on October 3, 2021. Landlords can now file and enforce evictions. However, there is still help for tenants facing evictions. This presentation was created for ILAO's Community Navigator Program. Starting on slide #6, the presentation covers and explains:
The basic eviction process,
Tenants' rights in the eviction process,
Tenants' basic housing rights
The free legal help available for people facing evictions
Current rental assistance programs.
We will continue to update this information as new programs become available.
Last updated: 10/20/21
Eviction Help Illinois
Eviction Help Illinois provides free legal help for Illinois residents who are renters facing potential eviction or landlords not represented by a lawyer. EHI provides free legal aid, mediation services, and connections to other resources including rental assistance to increase housing stability. Mediation is an opportunity for landlords and tenants to resolve issues the help of a knowledgeable and neutral person.
EHI on IllinoisLegalAid.org
ILAO's Eviction Help IL page explains the EHI program, what help is available, and how to apply. This page also includes links to information about the eviction process, illegal lockouts, eviction notices, sealing an eviction, and more.
Financial help with rent and utilities
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) State has a tool that helps landlords and renters who are struggling to keep up with rent and other bills find state and local organizations that are distributing federal rental assistance in their communities.
Search here to find a local program.
Rental assistance through the IL Department of Human Services
People can apply for help with rental assistance by contacting one of IDHS' partner agencies. See a list of agencies by region and county.
IL CBRAP - Rental assistance for renters in eviction court
Housing providers and tenants outside of Cook County with a pending eviction case can apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP). The CBRAP Toolkit explains the program and how to apply.
Renters in eviction court in Cook County can apply to the Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which provides up to 18 months of rent and related expenses for those who qualify. The deadline for Cook County ERAP is October 29, 2021.
Housing Programs & Services for Chicagoans
This booklet provides information for Chicago residents on:
Assistance for homebuyers and homeowners;
Tax, lending, foreclosure programs;
Home improvement and repair programs assistance for renters;
Ordinances, renter’s rights; and
Emergency Support Services
For Homeowners & Landlords
There are two Covid-19 forbearance relief options for homeowners. Forbearance allows you to pause or reduce your mortgage payments.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is providing up to 6 months of:
Covid-19 forbearance for borrowers struggling with mortgage payments because of the pandemic, and
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) extension for senior homeowners.