Illinois Statutes Chapter 765. Property § 905/4. Failure to release; penalty

§ 4. If any mortgagee or trustee, in a deed in the nature of a mortgage, of real property, or his or her executor or administrator, heirs or assigns, knowing the same to be paid, shall not, within 30 days after the payment of the debt secured by such mortgage or trust deed, comply with the requirements of Section 2 of this Act, he or she shall, for every such offense, be liable for and pay to the party aggrieved the sum of $200 which may be recovered by the party aggrieved in a civil action, together with reasonable attorney's fees. In any such action, introduction of a loan payment book or receipt which indicates that the obligation has been paid shall be sufficient evidence to raise a presumption that the obligation has been paid. Upon a finding for the party aggrieved, the court shall order the mortgagee or trustee, or his or her executor or administrator, heirs or assigns, to make, execute and deliver the release as provided in Section 2 of this Act. The successor in interest to the mortgagee or trustee in a deed in the nature of a mortgage shall not be liable for the penalty prescribed in this Section if he or she complies with the requirements of Section 2 of this Act within 30 days after succeeding to the interest.