Are you a landlord looking to screen potential tenants, or a tenant wanting to know if your landlord has a history of evictions? Whatever your reason, looking up evictions in Cook County can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous resources available. In this article, we will guide you through the process of searching for evictions in Cook County, providing you with the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions.
Understanding Eviction Records in Cook County
Before we dive into the process of searching for evictions, it’s essential to understand what eviction records are and how they are maintained in Cook County. Eviction records, also known as eviction filings or eviction cases, are public records that document the process of a landlord attempting to remove a tenant from a rental property. These records typically include information such as the names of the parties involved, the address of the rental property, and the outcome of the case.
In Cook County, eviction records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Clerk’s office is responsible for filing and storing all court documents, including eviction cases. Eviction records can be searched online or in person at the Clerk’s office.
Types of Eviction Records in Cook County
There are several types of eviction records that can be searched in Cook County, including:
- Eviction filings: These records document the initial filing of an eviction case by a landlord.
- Eviction judgments: These records document the outcome of an eviction case, including whether the landlord was granted possession of the property.
- Eviction executions: These records document the enforcement of an eviction judgment, including the removal of the tenant from the property.
Searching for Evictions Online
The easiest way to search for evictions in Cook County is online. The Clerk of the Circuit Court offers an online case search system that allows users to search for eviction records by name, case number, or address.
To search for evictions online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website at www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org.
- Click on the “Case Search” tab.
- Select “Eviction” as the case type.
- Enter the name, case number, or address of the property.
- Click “Search” to retrieve the results.
Online Resources for Searching Evictions
In addition to the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website, there are several other online resources that can be used to search for evictions in Cook County, including:
- Cook County Recorder of Deeds: The Recorder of Deeds website offers a searchable database of property records, including eviction filings.
- Cook County Treasurer: The Treasurer’s website offers a searchable database of property tax records, which can be used to identify properties that have been involved in eviction cases.
Searching for Evictions in Person
If you are unable to find the information you need online, you can search for evictions in person at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. The Clerk’s office is located at:
- Richard J. Daley Center
- 50 W. Washington St.
- Chicago, IL 60602
To search for evictions in person, follow these steps:
- Visit the Clerk’s office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm).
- Go to the “Case Search” desk and provide the name, case number, or address of the property.
- The Clerk’s staff will assist you in searching for the eviction record.
What to Expect When Searching for Evictions in Person
When searching for evictions in person, you can expect to:
- Wait in line: The Clerk’s office can be busy, so be prepared to wait in line.
- Provide identification: You may be required to provide identification to access the case search system.
- Pay a fee: There may be a fee to access the case search system or to obtain a copy of the eviction record.
Obtaining a Copy of an Eviction Record
If you need a copy of an eviction record, you can obtain one from the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. The cost of a copy of an eviction record varies depending on the type of record and the method of delivery.
To obtain a copy of an eviction record, follow these steps:
- Visit the Clerk’s office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm).
- Go to the “Case Search” desk and provide the name, case number, or address of the property.
- Request a copy of the eviction record.
- Pay the required fee.
Cost of Obtaining a Copy of an Eviction Record
The cost of obtaining a copy of an eviction record varies depending on the type of record and the method of delivery. The following is a list of the costs associated with obtaining a copy of an eviction record:
| Type of Record | Cost |
| — | — |
| Certified copy of eviction filing | $10 |
| Certified copy of eviction judgment | $15 |
| Certified copy of eviction execution | $20 |
Conclusion
Searching for evictions in Cook County can be a complex process, but with the right tools and information, it can be done efficiently. Whether you are a landlord looking to screen potential tenants or a tenant wanting to know if your landlord has a history of evictions, understanding how to search for evictions is crucial. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can access the information you need to make informed decisions.
Remember to always verify the accuracy of the information you obtain, and to consult with an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
What is the purpose of looking up evictions in Cook County?
Looking up evictions in Cook County can serve several purposes. For landlords, it can be a crucial step in the tenant screening process, helping them to identify potential tenants who may have a history of non-payment or property damage. For tenants, it can be a way to verify the information on their rental application and ensure that their rights are protected.
Additionally, looking up evictions can also be useful for researchers, journalists, and policymakers who are interested in understanding the trends and patterns of eviction in Cook County. By analyzing eviction data, they can gain insights into the underlying causes of eviction, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate social services.
What are the different types of eviction records available in Cook County?
In Cook County, there are several types of eviction records available, including court records, sheriff’s records, and property records. Court records typically include information about the eviction lawsuit, such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, and the outcome of the case. Sheriff’s records, on the other hand, may include information about the eviction process, such as the date and time of the eviction, and the name of the sheriff’s deputy who carried out the eviction.
Property records, which are typically maintained by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds, may include information about the property itself, such as the address, the owner’s name, and any outstanding liens or mortgages. These records can be useful for identifying patterns of eviction and understanding the impact of eviction on specific neighborhoods or communities.
How can I access eviction records in Cook County?
Eviction records in Cook County can be accessed through various channels, including online databases, court clerks’ offices, and sheriff’s departments. The Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court, for example, maintains an online database of court records, including eviction cases. The Cook County Sheriff’s Department also maintains a database of eviction records, which can be accessed online or in person.
Additionally, property records can be accessed through the Cook County Recorder of Deeds’ website or in person at their office. It’s worth noting that some records may be restricted or require a fee to access, so it’s a good idea to check with the relevant agency before attempting to access the records.
What information do I need to look up an eviction record in Cook County?
To look up an eviction record in Cook County, you will typically need to provide some basic information, such as the name of the tenant or landlord, the address of the property, and the case number (if available). You may also need to provide a date range or a specific time period for which you are searching.
It’s also a good idea to have some additional information on hand, such as the names of any other parties involved in the eviction, or any relevant court documents or case numbers. This can help to narrow down your search and ensure that you are accessing the correct records.
How far back do eviction records in Cook County go?
Eviction records in Cook County typically go back several years, although the exact timeframe may vary depending on the agency or database. The Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court, for example, maintains court records dating back to the 1980s, while the Cook County Recorder of Deeds maintains property records dating back to the early 20th century.
It’s worth noting that older records may be more difficult to access or may require a special request. Additionally, some records may have been destroyed or purged over time, so it’s possible that some eviction records may not be available.
Can I look up eviction records for free in Cook County?
Some eviction records in Cook County can be accessed for free, although others may require a fee. The Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court, for example, offers free online access to court records, including eviction cases. The Cook County Recorder of Deeds also offers free online access to property records.
However, some records may require a fee to access, such as certified copies of court documents or property records. Additionally, some databases or agencies may charge a subscription fee or require a payment for access to their records.
How can I verify the accuracy of eviction records in Cook County?
Verifying the accuracy of eviction records in Cook County can be an important step in ensuring that the information is reliable and trustworthy. One way to verify the accuracy of eviction records is to cross-check the information with multiple sources, such as court records, sheriff’s records, and property records.
Additionally, you can also contact the relevant agency or database to confirm the accuracy of the records. It’s also a good idea to check for any updates or corrections to the records, as well as any appeals or reversals of the eviction decision.