Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

My renter moved out without notifying me. I don't know where she's gone. Lease expires Dec 31. I have her Dec rent check but it's NSF. She is responsible for gas and electric and I've no idea if she's handled those bill through her moving date. I live in Illinois. Main question - - if everything is out of the house, am I free to change the locks prior to Dec 31? Again...she's not paid Dec rent.


Asked on 12/06/14, 5:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

You do have an obligation to protect and secure the property if you know she's vacated it. However most attorneys would advise you to file a forcible anyhow with notice by posting (so you don't have to serve her personally) and get an order of possession. That will terminate your right to rent after the date of possession, but that is the most conservative approach.

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Answered on 10/09/15, 9:15 pm


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