2017 2018 Cook County Eviction Moratorium Announced

Baby, it’s (NOT) cold outside

for the 2018-2019 moratorium, click here

Well, it’s 61 degrees here in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean your eviction case won’t be delayed at least a tiny bit this holiday season.  On November 21, 2017, Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Presiding Judge of the First Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County issued General Order 2017-01 which sets the dates and terms for the 2017 moratorium on the enforcement of orders for possession in forcible entry and detainer eviction cases in Cook County.  The text of the order is as follows:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the Sheriff of Cook County shall cease execution of eviction orders relating to residential real estate effective December 19, 2017.  The Sheriff shall resume execution of said orders effective January 2, 2018.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Sheriff ceases execution of said orders:

a) Whenever the outside temperature is 15 Degrees Fahrenheit or colder on the actual date of the eviction, or
b) Whenever regardless of outside temperature, extreme weather conditions endanger the health and welfare of those to be evicted.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this General Order supersedes General Order 2016-01.

So, there you have it folks.  A two weeks slowdown.  That said, I’ve seen worse and with the pleasant weather we’ve had in November and December, the Sheriff should not be too backed up right now.

Remember, this is not a moratorium on eviction cases in the court – it just puts a hold on the Sheriff going out to enforce eviction orders.

Have a happy holidays landlords!