Rule 99.2 Residential Eviction Mediation Programs
Article I: General Rules
Rule Text
(a) Any judicial circuit implementing a mediation program specifically designed to assist tenants and landlords in residential eviction cases must adhere to the requirements set forth in Rule 99 and this rule.
(b) Programs undertaken pursuant to this Rule may include formal mediation programs and other less formal dispute resolution programs, such as diversion programs and other programs that facilitate discussion and negotiations to help achieve resolution early in the case or prior to formal mediation. Any program approved under this Rule may include legal aid and other relevant services to promote fair resolutions for all participants.
(c) Each judicial circuit establishing a residential eviction mediation program must ensure that the mediation program allows litigants reasonable time to meaningfully access legal counsel and mediation services prior to the court entering a default order or judgment for eviction in the residential eviction case.
(d) Each judicial circuit that currently has approved local rules for a mediation program in place in accordance with Rule 99 may apply that program to eviction cases if applicable. Local rules amended or created to accommodate residential eviction cases consistent with this rule must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts for review and approval prior to implementation.
(e) Each judicial circuit electing to establish a new eviction mediation program shall adopt rules for the conduct of the eviction mediation proceedings. If a judicial circuit elects to establish a new residential eviction mediation program, the judicial circuit shall establish a plan for starting a residential eviction mediation program that demonstrates the mediation program can be implemented for that particular county or counties at the time of submission of the local rules for approval by the Administrative Office.
(f) Based on the plan established pursuant to paragraph (c), the local circuit rules shall address:
(i) the requirements set forth in Rule 99, including language and communication access and the use of remote technology, consistent with the Supreme Court Language Access Policy, the Supreme Court of Illinois Policy on Access for People with Disabilities, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45, and the Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Remote Court Appearances;
(ii) resources to provide meaningful access to pro bono legal representation for eligible tenants and landlords;
(iii) any costs charged to any participant in the eviction case;
(iv) a sustainability plan that includes a long-term funding plan;
(v) access to social services or other services that provide housing assistance, other financial resources, and education through the program;
(vi) training of judges, key court personnel and volunteers on eviction mediation and program operations.
Amendment history: Adopted Dec. 2, 2025, eff. Mar. 1, 2026.