Cook County sets annual holiday break from evictions

For 2016-17 holiday eviction moratorium, click here

The Circuit Court of Cook County has determined by way of General Order 2015-04 that the winter eviction moratorium has been set for the time period from December 18, 2015 to January 4, 2016.  That means that the Cook County Sheriff will not enforce evictions during that time.  Eviction courtrooms will still be open, meaning that the line will just keep getting longer.  In addition, the Sheriff has been ordered not to evict tenants when the outdoor temperature is 15 degrees Fahrenheit or when extreme weather conditions endanger the people being evicted.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that evictions are taking between five to seven weeks from placement with the Sheriff (your mileage may vary!), so landlords should expect substantial delays, especially if the winter moves from mild to unfriendly.