State notice rules
Can an Illinois landlord send a 5-day notice by certified mail?
Updated · By the Landlord Notice Mail team
Yes. Illinois's 5-day landlord's demand for rent (735 ILCS 5/9-209) can be served by delivering it to the tenant, by leaving it with a person 13 or older at the premises, or by sending it by certified or registered mail with a returned receipt from the addressee (9-211).
| Item | Rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Notice period | 5 days to pay | 9-209 |
| Delivery | To the tenant, or a person 13+ at the premises | 9-211 |
| Certified or registered mail with a returned receipt | 9-211 | |
| Local rules | Chicago and Cook County add ordinances | City and county codes |
Choose the return receipt
The mail option refers to a returned receipt from the addressee, so choose Certified Mail with return receipt and keep the receipt for your filing. If the tenant doesn't sign, use one of the delivery methods instead.
Quick answers
Does an Illinois 5-day notice need a return receipt?
If you serve it by mail, the statute refers to certified or registered mail with a returned receipt from the addressee.
Can I count the 5 days from mailing?
Be careful: count from when service is complete. Many landlords wait for the signed receipt.
Are there Chicago-specific rules?
Yes, Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance adds requirements. Check it before serving.
What to do next
Send the Illinois 5-day demand by Certified Mail with return receipt for $17.99, or get 5 certified notices a month for $29 on the Landlord plan.
Send an Illinois 5-day noticeSources
Checked: . General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.