Understanding Senate Bill 1563: New Squatter Protections and Their Impact on Chicago’s Housing Landscape
Housing stability is foundational to strong communities, yet Chicago continues to face challenges in ensuring safe, affordable housing for all. Recently, a significant piece of legislation—Senate Bill 1563—has moved closer to becoming law in Illinois. It’s a development that The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF) is closely watching, as it has implications for landlords, tenants, and the vulnerable populations we are dedicated to serving.
What is Senate Bill 1563?
Senate Bill 1563, often referred to as the “Squatter Bill,” seeks to create a faster, more efficient process for removing individuals unlawfully occupying a property. Under the current system, removing squatters often requires a lengthy eviction process, placing a heavy financial and emotional burden on property owners.
The bill allows property owners to:
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File a verified complaint and affidavit with the court.
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Obtain an expedited order for possession without going through traditional eviction proceedings.
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Request immediate law enforcement action once the court grants possession.
Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, who supported the bill, emphasized that the goal is not to punish tenants but to ensure that property owners can swiftly reclaim homes unlawfully occupied, preventing further deterioration of properties and reducing costs that often ripple through communities.
Why This Matters to Landlords
For landlords, especially those managing affordable housing units, prolonged unauthorized occupancy can lead to significant losses—lost rental income, costly repairs, and in some cases, long-term vacancies. Senate Bill 1563 offers them a more direct path to reclaim their properties, thereby protecting their investments and ensuring their properties can continue to serve families who need stable housing.
However, responsible landlords and housing advocates alike are raising questions about due process. It’s critical that legitimate tenants—those with leases or oral agreements—are not mistakenly categorized as squatters. Without careful implementation, the legislation could unintentionally open the door to misuse, jeopardizing housing stability for vulnerable residents.
Implications for CLIHTF and Our Mission
At CLIHTF, we are committed to supporting extremely low-income households across Chicago by preserving and expanding access to safe, affordable housing. Any shift in housing policy, particularly those that could impact occupancy and tenant rights, is of great importance to our work.
While Senate Bill 1563 addresses real concerns for property owners, it also requires safeguards to ensure that it does not unintentionally harm those on the margins—families who may be housing-insecure or who navigate informal rental arrangements. At CLIHTF, we advocate for a balanced approach: protecting property rights while upholding the dignity and security of low-income residents.
As the bill heads to the Illinois House for a full vote, we will continue to monitor its progress and advocate for measures that ensure fair treatment and housing stability for all Chicagoans.
What’s Next?
Senate Bill 1563 represents a broader conversation about how we manage housing challenges in Illinois. As this legislation moves forward:
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Landlords should stay informed about their responsibilities and rights under the evolving legal framework.
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Tenants and advocates should ensure their voices are heard to promote fair and equitable implementation.
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Organizations like CLIHTF will continue working to ensure that affordable housing remains accessible and protected.
Stay Informed with CLIHTF
We encourage our partners and community members to:
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Follow legislative updates on SB1563.
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Connect with advocacy groups focused on housing justice.
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Engage with policymakers like Rep. La Shawn K. Ford who are shaping the future of Illinois housing policy.
For the latest news and insights on how we’re advancing affordable housing solutions in Chicago, stay connected through our First Friday Blog and other CLIHTF updates.
Keep an eye out for more helpful tips in our monthly First Friday Blog Series, brought to you by the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF)!