Illinois’ New Court-Based Rental Assistance Program Benefits Landlords and Tenants

John Norkus
By John Norkus

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has recently opened a new court-based rental assistance program. This program can be advantageous to both landlords and tenants if the parties are willing to continue working together through the process of eviction. Under the program, where an active eviction case exists, the program may award a tenant up to $15,000 in back rent. As a part of this award, the program can also award up 2 months rent in the future and $500 towards court costs.

It’s important to note that while the maximum award is $15,000, the amount is based entirely on the amount the tenant owes at the time funds are disbursed, as well as the potential amount for 2 months of future rent if the tenant owes less than the full award amount. Once a tenant fills out their application, the landlord is emailed asking to fill out an application as well. The application is relatively straight forward and just requires the landlord have its documentation as to a lease, ledger, as well as the file stamped Court Complaint and Summons. This is because only active eviction cases are eligible for the funding from this program. Landlords will also want to be sure to save their receipt for filing fees as the application process will request that if the landlord is seeking a reimbursement on court costs.

This applies to any active eviction case as well as new cases filed for the foreseeable future. However, it is not clear how long the funding will last, so if you have a tenant in arrears that you’d like to get paid on, and are willing to work with the tenant as they are not a problem outside of the non-payment issue, it can be a great tool for a savvy landlord to see payment come in on an otherwise struggling income property. Additionally, if the tenant does not qualify for assistance for any reason, you’ll be already be in line in eviction court so you can proceed forward towards a final eviction order along with recovery of the rental property.

Attorney John Norkus is Of Counsel to DeBlasio Law Group and serves the firm on select client engagements.  Mr. Norkus has been practicing law for over 10 years, primarily focusing on real estate issues, both through litigation and transactional matters, as well as working with small businesses on a variety of litigation-related issues that may appear in their day-to-day operations.  For information on scheduling a consultation, call DeBlasio Law Group at (630) 560.1123, or you may reach us through our firm’s website at www.DGLLC.net/contact.