Timely evictions in Illinois involve several cost factors, including court filing fees, service charges, and potential attorney fees. The total price depends on case complexity, when a writ is sought, and whether landlord representation is used. This guide presents cost ranges to help landlords estimate a typical eviction budget and plan accordingly.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fees | $70 | $90 | $230 | Depends on county and action type. |
| Attorney Fees | $300 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Flat or hourly; complexity varies. |
| Service Fees | $25 | $60 | $100 | For summons and process server. |
| Sheriff/Marshal Eviction Fees | $100 | $270 | $450 | Serve notice and execute writ of possession. |
| Miscellaneous & Publication | $20 | $150 | $400 | Advertising or translation where needed. |
Assumptions: region, case type (unlawful detainer), landlord representation, and writ timing may affect costs.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for an Illinois eviction is roughly $600 to $3,000 per case. The exact amount hinges on county court fees, attorney involvement, and whether a writ of possession is pursued. A straightforward eviction with a pro se landlord and standard service is toward the lower end, while complex hearings or attorney-backed actions are toward the high end.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court Fees | $70 | $120 | $230 | Varies by county and action type. |
| Attorney Fees | $300 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Hourly rates commonly $150–$350; some cases use flat fees. |
| Service Fees | $25 | $60 | $100 | Summons and delivery to tenant. |
| Sheriff/Marshal Fees | $100 | $270 | $450 | Execution of writ of possession if needed. |
| Other Costs | $20 | $150 | $400 | Translations, publications, or additional notices. |
What Drives Price
Key price drivers include county court complexity, the need for attorney representation, and timing of the writ. Regional court congestion can raise filing timelines; faster outcomes may incur higher attorney hours. The tenant’s defenses, such as improper notice or lease disputes, can add costs through extended proceedings.
Pricing Variables
Regional differences exist within Illinois. Urban counties like Cook and DuPage may have higher filing and service costs compared with more rural areas. Writs of possession and sheriff involvement also vary by jurisdiction, influencing total expenditure. Additionally, whether the landlord handles steps pro se or hires counsel alters the price trajectory.
Ways To Save
Minimize expenses by combining filings where possible and documenting notices clearly. Use standardized notices to reduce delay, and verify tenant defenses early to avoid unnecessary hearings. Where legally permissible, handling service in-house or using a reputable process server can cut costs compared with court-facing delays.
Regional Price Differences
Illinois eviction costs vary by region. In Cook County, the combination of higher court and sheriff fees can push the total toward the upper end of the range, while rural counties may stay near the lower end. Suburban counties often fall between urban and rural benchmarks but can lean higher if attorney involvement is common. Assumptions: county chosen, service method, writ status.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario: Pro se landlord, simple unlawful detainer, no writ; total around $600-$900. Assumptions: no attorney, standard service, no publications.
Labor hours: minimal for filing and notices; per-unit prices primarily court and service fees.
Mid-Range Scenario: Landlord hires attorney, notices correctly served, tenant contests, writ not yet issued; total around $1,200-$2,000. Assumptions: mixed attorney hours, standard county processing.
Labor hours: 6–12 hours at typical $150–$300/hr depending on region.
Premium Scenario: Complex defense, writ of possession issued, high sheriff fees; total around $2,000-$3,500 or more. Assumptions: multiple hearings, attorney strategy, possible translation or publication needs.
Cost By Region
Regional price differences summary. Cook County often shows higher upper-range costs due to court and sheriff fees, while rural counties tend toward the lower end. Suburban counties typically fall in between. Assumptions: jurisdictional variance in fees and service methods.
What To Expect With Local Rules
Local rules affect notices and filing requirements. Illinois municipalities may require specific notice forms and timing, which can influence the overall timeline and cost. Before filing, confirm county-specific cost items and any additional local fees. Assumptions: compliance with local rules; timely service.