"Unknown owner" means the same as "unknown owner" as used in Section 2-413 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
15-1221.Unknown Owner.
Article XV. Mortgage Foreclosure · Part 12. Definitions · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceThis section defines “unknown owner” in Article XV the same way that term is used in Section 2-413 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/15-1221
Plain-English Summary
Section 15-1221 borrows its definition from elsewhere in the Code of Civil Procedure rather than stating one independently: unknown owner means the same as unknown owner as used in Section 2-413. That keeps the term consistent between ordinary civil actions and foreclosures brought under Article XV.
Naming an unknown owner lets a foreclosure proceed against interests in the mortgaged real estate whose holders cannot be identified, while relying on the notice procedures the Code of Civil Procedure already provides for such parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does unknown owner mean under Article XV?
The same thing it means under Section 2-413 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Where is the underlying definition of unknown owner located?
In Section 2-413 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which this section incorporates by reference.
Why would a foreclosure complaint need to name an unknown owner?
To address interests in the mortgaged real estate whose holders the plaintiff cannot identify by name.
Does this let a plaintiff proceed without knowing every interest holder?
Using the unknown owner concept from Section 2-413 lets a foreclosure complaint address unidentified interest holders under that section's terms.
How does notice work for unknown owners in a foreclosure?
This section does not itself set notice procedure; it adopts the unknown owner definition from Section 2-413, which governs how such parties are addressed under the Code of Civil Procedure.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: illinois unknown owner definition foreclosureunknown owner section 2-413 illinoisnaming unknown owner in foreclosure complaint