Any demand may be made or notice served by delivering a written or printed, or partly written and printed, copy thereof to the tenant, or by leaving the same with some person of the age of 13 years or upwards, residing on or in possession of the premises; or by sending a copy of the notice to the tenant by certified or registered mail, with a returned receipt from the addressee; and in case no one is in the actual possession of the premises, then by posting the same on the premises.
9-211.Service of demand or notice.
Article IX. Eviction · Part 2. Recovery of Rent; · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceNotices and demands under this Part can be served by handing a copy to the tenant, leaving it with someone at least thirteen years old who lives there, mailing it by certified or registered mail with a return receipt, or posting it on the premises if no one is present.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/9-211
Plain-English Summary
Section 9-211 sets out the acceptable ways to serve any demand or notice under this Part of the eviction article. A landlord can deliver a written or printed copy directly to the tenant, or leave it with any person at least thirteen years old who resides on or is in possession of the premises.
Mail service is also allowed, but only by certified or registered mail with a returned receipt from the addressee. Where no one is in actual possession of the premises to receive the notice, posting a copy on the premises satisfies the section.
The range of methods gives a landlord options depending on whether the tenant or another occupant is reachable, and it ties directly into Section 9-212's rule on how service under these methods is proved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ways a landlord can serve a notice under this section?
Personal delivery to the tenant, leaving it with an occupant at least thirteen years old, certified or registered mail with a return receipt, or posting on the premises.
Who can accept substitute service if the tenant is not home?
Any person at least thirteen years old who resides on or is in possession of the premises.
Is mail service allowed, and what kind?
Yes, by certified or registered mail, with a returned receipt from the addressee.
What if no one is on the premises at all?
The notice may be served by posting a copy on the premises.
Does this section apply to every notice or demand in Part 2?
Yes, it governs how any demand or notice under this Part may be made or served.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 83-355.)
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
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