Illinois Bans Landlords from Listing Minors in Eviction Filings

Illinois Bill Bans Landlords from Listing Minors in Eviction Filings — Now Decature

Illinois lawmakers have approved a bill that would stop landlords from naming minors in eviction filings, a practice critics say causes lifelong harm. The bill, now awaiting Governor Pritzker’s signature, addresses concerns raised by housing advocates about public records damaging children’s futures. The legislation also outlines new procedures for landlords to correct filings while safeguarding minors’ privacy.

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Evictions Haunt Minors

Having an eviction record can block access to housing, loans, and affordable housing programs. In Illinois, landlords have occasionally listed children in eviction notices, exposing them to long-term consequences. “The consequences of naming a child in one of these eviction lawsuits can be serious and lifelong,” said Daniel Schneider, an attorney with Legal Action Chicago.

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Bill to Bar Practice

A new bill nearing final approval in Illinois would amend eviction laws to stop landlords from naming minors in court filings. “Sometimes people first learn of their evictions when they apply for Section Eight housing down the road, they learn, ‘I was evicted when I was a kid and my name’s on that court filing,’” Schneider explained.

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Children at Highest Risk

While not every eviction involving families lists children in official records, data shows that families with children remain at the highest risk of eviction in Cook County. In 2023, Cook County saw nearly 12,000 eviction orders, a sharp increase compared to 2020 and 2021.

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Evictions Near Pre-Pandemic Levels

According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, eviction orders surged in 2023, reaching 12,000, over three times higher than 2020’s 3,105 cases and quadrupling 2021’s 2,714. Of those contacted by the Sheriff’s outreach program, 513 were categorized as “children,” and 247 fell under “clients with children.”

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Public Records’ Lasting Impact

In Illinois, eviction records remain public unless sealed. Background checks during lease applications often reveal these records. While people can request judges to seal records, most judges prefer to keep them public. Schneider noted, “Every hour that these documents are out there and in the public record, risks that it worms its way into the private credit collections and background checks.”

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Crime-Free Laws Raise Stakes

The new bill’s protections are even more critical as local ordinances like crime-free housing laws enable landlords to evict tenants with minimal evidence of criminal activity. Reports claim landlords have used these powers to expel families without informing them of alleged offenses, leaving vulnerable families at risk.

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Next Steps and Protections

The bill, which passed both state houses on May 22, now awaits the governor’s approval. “[The bill] not only makes explicit something that should be common sense that you shouldn’t name a minor who isn’t on the lease—but also provides that if you do that, the complaint will be stricken and the file will be sealed,” said Schneider. Landlords can still refile evictions without listing minors. Meanwhile, Illinois residents can seek help through Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO), which offers resources in both English and Spanish to manage or remove eviction records.

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