Circuit Court General Order Halts Sheriff Evictions
On Friday, March 13, 2020, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans entered general order 2020-01 which suspended certain operations of the Circuit Court of Cook County. We blogged about some of the suspended operations yesterday. We’ve now obtained a copy of the general order. In response to the general order, the Sheriff of Cook County has been ordered by the Circuit Court of Cook County to cease the execution of eviction orders for RESIDENTIAL real estate cases effective March 14, 2020. The Sheriff is ordered to resume the enforcement of eviction orders in 30 days.
Here’s the relevant part of the order.
The Sheriff correctly notes on his website that some eviction orders might go stale during this suspension period. Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/9-117, an eviction order is only good for 120 days after it is entered. The law states in part that “No eviction order obtained in an action brought under this Article may be enforced more than 120 days after the order is entered…” There is a court procedure to “renew” an eviction order. 
This is one more concern landlords will need to adjust to in light of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Landlords looking for help to navigate this situation can feel free to contact us to see if we are a match for an engagement.