If you’re behind on rent—even by just a little—it’s important to act quickly. You might still have time to get help before your landlord starts the eviction process.
Try to work with your landlord
If you haven’t already, contact your landlord. Let them know what’s going on and ask if they will give you more time or work out a payment plan. Some landlords are willing to work with tenants who fall on hard times.
Get rental assistance and advice
There may be programs in your area that can help you catch up on rent. These programs may be run by:
- Eviction Help Illinois
- Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
- Call 2‑1‑1 from any phone to be connected to local housing, rental support, or utility assistance.
- Rentervention by the Law Center for Better Housing
Help can include money for back rent, future rent, or utilities.
You can be sued on old housing debt
If you moved out of a rental but still owe money, your former landlord might try to collect that rental debt. This usually happens when:
- You broke your lease early
- You left owing rent or fees
- You damaged the unit beyond normal wear and tear
This kind of debt is often called a rental deficiency.
Your landlord can:
- Send you bills
- Send your account to a collection agency
- Report the debt to credit bureaus
- Sue you for the amount due
They are supposed to try to reduce the amount you owe by re-renting the unit, but they often don’t explain what they’ve done.
Even if you owe money, you still have rights:
- You can ask the landlord or collection agency to explain the charges.
- If you’re sued, you have the right to respond in court and explain your side.
- The landlord must show proof of what you owe, and what they did to re-rent the place.
If the landlord wins in court, they might be able to garnish your wages or freeze your bank account—but only with a court judgment.
Learn more and understand your rights.
Your landlord cannot evict you without a court order. That means they can’t lock you out, shut off your utilities, or remove your things without going to court. Even if you’re behind, you still have legal rights. Learn more on Illinois Legal Aid Online.