Perhaps you or someone you know, is finding it difficult to pay their monthly rent due to Covid-19. Our mission partner, LOVE, Inc., sent us the following community services update that we would encourage you to share with anyone you know who may be worried about eviction because of their inability to pay rent at this time.
The Governor’s March 20 Stay at Home Order instructs law enforcement agencies to stop enforcing residential eviction orders for the duration of the Executive Order.
Although the enforcement of eviction orders is suspended, tenants remain obligated to pay their rent. Landlords may still issue eviction notices for nonpayment of rent and other lease violations, and they may continue to file eviction cases in court (though the court date will be after April 30).
There is a risk that suspending enforcement of eviction orders will result in more landlords resorting to self-help measure like changing locks or disconnecting utilities. Such actions are illegal, and we advise tenants facing illegal lockouts to call the police and Prairie State Legal Services. More information about tenant rights is available at www.illinoislegalaid.org.
Prairie State’s offices are closed to the public and most staff are working from home. However, they are still open for intake and are accepting new cases. Low-income persons and seniors may apply for help by calling their intake line at 630-690-2130 Monday-Thursday from 9am-1pm, or online anytime at https://www.pslegal.org/psls-apply-online.asp. Prairie State Legal helps with civil legal issues that affect basic human needs, including landlord/tenant issues, public benefits, and elder law.
