Robin Ruffolo, Realtor with HomeSmart Connect

For my IL folks!

It’s official!

Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed the Illinois “Squatter Bill” into law on Monday.

The law will make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone’s home, bypassing months-long eviction process.

Previously, squatters were allowed to stay at the property during the court process to get them out.

The law differentiates squatters from tenants, making it easier for property owners to regain control of their home.

“This outdated eviction law has treated squatters the same as tenants, leaving property owners in limbo and tying the hands of law enforcement,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

The bill will be effective on January 1, 2026.

“This bill delivers long-overdue clarity, closes dangerous legal loopholes, and ensures that trespassers can no longer manipulate the system to delay removal from properties they never had any right to occupy in the first place,” Pritzker said.