UPDATE: As Illinois moves into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, there is new guidance allowing open houses and the showing of tenant-occupied properties effective May 29, 2020. Find the new guidance and industry best practices under Illinois REALTORS® COVID-19 FAQs.

Illinois REALTORS® continues to field many questions on common topics as discussions begin about the prospect of all regions in Illinois moving into the next phase of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan; and what this means for the real estate industry.   

Big questions: 

1) Is there still a moratorium on residential rental evictions? If yes, when will the moratorium be lifted? 

A) There remains a moratorium on residential rental evictions and this will stay in place for the duration of the governor’s declared disaster. The opening of the courts does not necessarily drive the lift of the stay on evictions. Whether or not this will change in the next phase is unknown at this time. 

2) When does the moratorium on evictions for federally backed loans end? 

A) According to information on NAR’s website, this moratorium ends on July 25, 2020. 

3) What is the current status of the prohibition on showings of tenant-occupied rental units? 

A) The prohibition remains in place under the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) guidance clarifying the governor’s most current executive order. Thus, at this time, tenant-occupied units are not subject to physical showings. Stay tuned for further information on this question as we pivot towards Phase 3. 

4) Are open houses currently permitted? 

A) No. Open houses are still prohibited according to the DCEO guidance.  So, on this issue too, brokers must stay the course regarding open houses. Again, stay tuned for more information on this question as we pivot towards Phase 3.

5) What changes, if any, will there be for real estate offices being open to the public, as Illinois regions move into Phase 3? 

A) Real estate has been and remains an essential business so offices could remain “open” for business while restricting public access to the brokerage office itself. Phase 3 recommendations include greatly limiting access to the public and advises that teleworking continue where possible. Brokerage companies should consider how and whether they will open their offices to their own staff, let alone to the public. Physical distancing, cleaning protocols, providing PPE to employees, independent contractors and any visitors are all recommended. Again, all should stay the course for the immediate future and stay tuned for more Illinois and region-specific guidance in the next days and weeks.   

In the meantime, know that your Illinois REALTORS® are “at the table” advocating for opportunities, increased guidance and the ability for brokers to safely practice their professions as each region moves to the next phase of limited “reopening.” Illinois REALTORS® will continue to keep its membership apprised of new developments and provide answers to your questions as they become available.   

Helpful resources to review as transitions start taking shape: 

Most importantly, stay the course, and stay tuned!