When the tenancy is for a certain period, and the term expires by the terms of the lease, the tenant is then bound to surrender possession, and no notice to quit or demand of possession is necessary.
9-213.Expiration of term.
Article IX. Eviction · Part 2. Recovery of Rent; · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceWhen a fixed-term lease reaches its stated end date, the tenant must surrender possession without any notice to quit or separate demand from the landlord.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/9-213
Plain-English Summary
Section 9-213 sets the baseline rule for leases with a definite end date. Where the tenancy is for a certain period and the term expires according to the lease itself, the tenant is bound to surrender possession, and no notice to quit or demand of possession is necessary.
The rule stands in contrast to the notice requirements found elsewhere in this Part for periodic tenancies -- year to year under Section 9-205, farmland under Section 9-206, and shorter terms under Section 9-207. Because the lease already told the tenant in advance exactly when it would end, the statute treats that as sufficient notice on its own.
If a tenant stays on anyway after a fixed term expires, that holdover can trigger the separate remedies elsewhere in this Part built for exactly that situation, such as the rent recovery and willful-holdover provisions in Sections 9-201 and 9-202.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a landlord have to send a notice to quit for a lease with a definite end date?
No, once the fixed term reaches its stated end date under the lease itself.
Why doesn't this section require notice the way the year-to-year and short-term tenancy sections do?
Because the lease already told the tenant in advance when it would end, giving fair notice without any separate step.
What must the tenant do once a fixed term expires?
Surrender possession of the premises.
Is any written demand needed?
No, none is necessary under this section.
What if the tenant stays anyway after a fixed term ends?
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 82-280.)
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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