What can be done when you have been evicted without court order

Question

What can be done when you have been evicted without court order

Answer

If you were aware or present, you should have called the police. A court order and the sheriff's department are required to physically remove a tenant and belongings.

You also have a private cause against the landlord, but an attorney may be cautious in taking the case without fees up front. I am not sure you would find an attorney taking the matter on a contingency, but it is worth some calls to local attorneys who handle litigation. Be prepared to discuss actual damages suffered (lost value of belongings, temporary lodging or storage fees in excess of what you would have paid, etc.).

Answer

Here's the funny thing about the Illinois Forcible Entry & Detainer Act. It works BOTH ways. All it say is that you can sue if you are a person entitled to possession, That can be the landlord OR the tenant. The problem is if you were on a month-to-month all you get back is a month-to-month, if you are looking for your tenancy. If you are looking for money damages because the eviction cost you, that is different. You have to decide what your goal is, and go from there.