A notice to pay rent or quit—also known as an eviction notice or notice to vacate due to late rent—is a written letter demanding a tenant who is late paying rent (1) pay the rent by a certain date or (2) quit (leave or vacate) the premises.
In Illinois, a notice to pay rent or quit is a formal communication from a landlord to a tenant who is behind on rent, giving the tenant a specific period to either pay the overdue rent or vacate the property. The Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act governs the eviction process. Before a landlord can file an eviction lawsuit, they must provide the tenant with a written notice. The notice period depends on the terms of the lease and the frequency of rent payments. For example, if rent is paid monthly, the landlord must typically provide a 5-day notice to pay rent or quit. This notice must be served to the tenant in person, left with someone of suitable age at the residence, or sent via certified mail. If the tenant fails to comply with the notice by either paying the overdue rent or vacating the premises within the given time frame, the landlord may then proceed to file an eviction lawsuit with the court.