Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois
(I really need Immediate Assistance on this matter)
I've been living in my apartment for two years and I was never on a lease. Can a Landlord in Illinois legally evict me without having to go through an eviction process?
My old roommates were on a lease, when the lease expired they moved out I wanted to stay.. I called my Landlord explained my situation and we agreed over the phone that as long im not late on rent I can stay here (No Written Lease) I figured we have a verbal agreement at that point.
Well now times are hard for me and im behind two months on rent and this is the reason why hes kicking me out. I feel slighted by the whole situation because I even told him I wasnt gonna make rent and to give me 30 days to find a place a little over two weeks ago through text message.. He never responded, so I figured he didnt mind. between that time he also turned my gas and electric off without notice..Two weeks later (now); a locksmith is knocking on my door at 10 am on a saturday, without the landlord giving me any notice about changing the locks prior.. I quickly called the police and my landlord finally shows up..The Police come in my apartment and tell me because I have no paper work to prove I live here that the landlord is right and that im technically "squatting" on his property..(even though I've wrote him checks and my name is on the mailbox and the reason I have no utility bills for the apartment because it was included with the rent) after that the police talk to my landlord outside come into my apartment and tell me I have till this Monday to leave of course is the landlords order and they cant do anything about it.. I felt taken advantage of right from the start and would like to know if I can file a civil suit about this situation..
Thank You
Drew
2 Answers from Attorneys
Get a lawyer immediately. Your landlord is trying to circumvent Illinois laws and could be harming your credit rating even more. However, you might as well also plan to move because eventually your landlord will be able to evict you.
Stephen is correct. You do have redress and should contact an attorney.