Know Your Rights: Eviction and Lockout Resources
Updated March 14, 2024
Legal Help Resources
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD)
Call the CCLAHD hotline at 855.956.5763 to learn how you can get help resolving your housing and debt problems. All services are available at no cost to Cook County residents and property owners regardless of income, language, or immigration status. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Chicago tenants who needs help with a housing issue like lockouts or evictions can contact Rentervention, a program of the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing.
Rentervention is free and confidential. To get started, tenants can call 312.347.7600, visit rentervention.com or text “hi” to 866.7RENTER (866.773.6837) to start a conversation with Renny, Rentervention’s bot.
Center for Conflict Resolution
Court-based mediation takes place in virtual eviction courtrooms. A court case is not required to access mediation. Clients can also self-refer outside of the court process. Contact CCR’s case management team at 312.922.6464, ext. 22 or newcase@ccrchicago.org if you would like to open a mediation case.
Renters Rights
To learn more about your rights as a renter, visit the link above to view a collection of resources by DOH.
Get Financial Help
Go to Chicago.gov/fss/RAP for more information on rental assistance.
Mental Health Services
Housing Instability can be profoundly distressing. If you need help dealing with anxiety or depression, please visit chicagoconnects.org, where you can talk to someone and find other resources.
More information is available by visiting the Chicago Department of Public Health's website.