So, You Got Served...Eviction Papers...During a Chicago Blizzard? Brrr!
Let's face it, Chicago winters are no laughing matter. The wind cuts like a hangry wolverine, and sidewalks turn into icy obstacle courses. The last thing you want to be dealing with during a snowpocalypse is the threat of eviction. But fear not, tenants of the Windy City, because today we're wading into the wacky world of winter evictions!
Can I Be Evicted During a Chicago Snowmageddon?
Yes, Virginia (or should I say Vernon?), technically, eviction proceedings can happen throughout the year in Illinois, even when the windchill makes your tears turn into tiny ice daggers. But hold on to your hats! Cook County, which is where Chicago resides, throws a tiny bit of a wrench into the eviction machine during the winter.
Cook County Says "Hold Your Horses (or Reindeer) on Evictions!"
Here's where things get interesting. Cook County gives eviction notices the cold shoulder (pun intended) during two key times:
- The Holiday Hustle: Evictions take a backseat to fruitcake and gift-giving between December 18th and January 2nd. So you can enjoy a (slightly less stressful) holiday season without the sheriff knocking on your door.
- The Deep Freeze: If the temperature dips below a teeth-chattering 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or a blizzard is brewing a full-on eviction-day disaster, the sheriff might just call the whole thing off. But don't get too comfy – the eviction just gets rescheduled, not canceled, once the weather chills out (pun intended again, I apologize).
So, What Should I Do If I'm Facing Eviction in Winter?
- Communication is Key: If you've gotten an eviction notice, talk to your landlord ASAP. Maybe there's room to work things out, like a payment plan or catching up on missed rent.
- Know Your Rights: Cook County's eviction moratorium might buy you some time. Familiarize yourself with tenant laws (Illinois Legal Aid Online is a great resource).
- Seek Help: Don't face eviction alone! There are organizations in Chicago that can provide legal aid and support.
Remember: Even if you get a reprieve from eviction due to winter weather, it's not a permanent solution. Address the root cause of the eviction notice and work towards staying in your home.
And hey, if all else fails, you could always try building a giant snowman fort around your apartment building. Maybe it'll be so darn cute the judge will have a change of heart (unlikely, but hey, a tenant can dream!).
