Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

Re: Renting from my Mom

It's very likely you're stuck. Without a written lease you really don't have any great options regarding this property. A couple exceptions: if your mom would do anything physically or verbally threatening you might consider getting an Order of Protection against her and then you could get possession of the property at least temporary. Secondly, there is a cause of action to get property returned but I guess the question is the cost of what she's holding versus the cost/effort of pursuing the legal action. Once you move might she return the stuff? Lastly, there probably is some cause of action for damages you could file...but again it's not an easy case to prove and really how have you been damaged (I just don't know the answer to that question)? Do you have a trail of cancelled checks showing rent being paid to your mom? Consider calling the police and this might be enough writing to get them to do something.

Those are a couple ideas for you to consider.