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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Illinois Democrats have passed several plans in recent years to help renters, but House Republicans have filed a bill to support landlords trying to remove tenants.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) told WAND News that recent laws have harmed property owners, and it is past time for Springfield to support fair rental enforcement.
Her plan could amend the state’s eviction law to allow the summons and complaint to be served to tenants within five business days. Tenants would be required to appear in court within five business days of receiving the eviction notice.
“We just want to make sure that not only is the renter protected, but also the landlord, because the landlord is the one who’s supplying the housing,” McCombie said Tuesday. “We already have such a huge issue with housing here. We certainly can’t have less rental properties.”
The bill states courts should hold hearings on the eviction or ejectment action within 10 business days of the tenant making their first appearance. A judgment would be served to the renter within five business days if the court rules in favor of the landlord.
The legislation also states landlords could regain possession of the property immediately after the ruling.
“A couple, for example, shouldn’t have to go broke or go bankrupt because of something that they’re trying to invest in and give back to the community while helping with the housing issue,” McCombie said.
Housing Action Illinois said the eviction process is stressful, painful, and time-consuming for both rental property owners and tenants. Policy Director Bob Palmer told WAND News the most important public policy changes we need to reduce evictions are ensuring people with the lowest incomes can afford their rent and supporting emergency rent assistance and homelessness programs.
Palmer also believes Illinois should create more mediation-focused early resolution programs for landlords and tenants in eviction court while increasing the supply of housing for people of all income levels across the state.
“It puts together a clear picture of how the payment process goes,” McCombie said. “I don’t think they’re going to have any problem with transparency.”
Leader McCombie filed House Bill 5813 two weeks ago. The proposal does not have any cosponsors at this time.