What is a “forcible entry and detainer” in Illinois?

State of IllinoisUnder the “common law”, it was lawful for a landlord “with force and arms” to retake possession of real estate and retain such possession by force from a tenant who failed to pay rent or breached a lease.  “Self-help” such as this was prohibited by statute in the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act.

The Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, at 735 ILCS 5/9-101 provides:

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