Illinois eviction moratorium ends soon, experts expect rise in homelessness

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — A ban on evictions is about to expire on August 1 in Illinois.

The states’ 18 months long eviction moratorium will come to an end and landlords once again will be able to file an eviction order against tenants who don’t pay their rent.

It’s something that Cunningham township supervisor Danielle Chenoweth says will impact the most vulnerable communities.

“With the eviction moratorium, we are facing a housing crisis that’s going to impact the most vulnerable participants and residents,” Chynoweth said. “Those are people with disabilities, cognitive or literacy issues, and immigrants who can’t apply for rental assistance.”

Chynoweth tells us 12% of residents in Champaign County owe back rent and 15.5% in Sangamon County.

As landlords move forward with eviction orders, she expects to see a rise in homelessness.

“They would double up with friends and family or they would move into their cars or be on the streets. We actually have seen an increase in street homelessness in Champaign County,” Chynoweth said.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for enforcing evictions in the county but officials there say it’s too early to tell if they will see a jump.

“Pre-Covid, it was three a day, we were used to doing this so it’s not very uncommon,” Lieutenant Gerald Felts with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said. “I expect there’s going to be a big rise in evictions but until I actually see the numbers, it’s hard to say.”

Over $500 million is available in rental assistance which Bob Palmer, the policy director for Housing Action Illinois aid will hopefully help avoid mass evictions across the state.

“This is sort of the last opportunity for landlords and tenants to work together to try and preserve people in their housing and find a way for people to move without being evicted and becoming homeless. We encourage residents and tenants to take advantage of all of the resources available,” said Palmer.

Even though rental assistance applications with the Illinois Housing Development Authority closed, Palmer says there is still funding residents can apply for.

“There is so much funding available for rental assistance and people need to be patient as we match the funding with the need,” said Chynoweth.

More information on rental assistance can be found here.

There is still time for residents to avoid eviction, but you must complete a tenant declaration form and give it to your landlord before July 31.

Eviction can start being enforced after August 31.