Illinois (IL) Short-Term Rental Regulations
Compare STR rules across 1 Illinois city. License fees, tax rates, and operating rules. Verified May 2026.
At a Glance
Regulatory Climate and Primary Residence fields derived from city-level archetype data. Preemption status verified against state statutes (verified against state legislative records).
📊 By the Numbers
- 1 city covered in Illinois
- License fee range: $250–$250
- 1/1 city (100%) require primary residence
- Combined lodging tax: Chicago: 4.5% hotel + 6% shared housing surcharge + 1% Cook County = 11.5%
Source: City-level data from official municipal sources, cross-verified May 2026.
Regulatory Overview
Illinois has no state-level STR preemption. Chicago requires primary residence for STR operators in most zones, with a $250/year registration fee. The tax burden is notable: 4.5% Chicago Hotel Accommodations Tax plus a 6% Shared Housing Surcharge plus 1% Cook County tax. Chicago is workable for owner-occupants who want to STR their primary residence part-time, but the primary residence requirement excludes pure investors.
City Comparison — 1 City
All Illinois cities covered by RentPermitted, ranked and compared:
| City | Status | License Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Primary Residence Required | $250/year |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cities in Illinois does RentPermitted cover?
We cover 1 city in Illinois: Chicago.
Does Illinois have state-wide STR laws?
Illinois regulates short-term rentals primarily at the city level. There is no comprehensive state-wide STR law. Check each individual city page for specific license requirements, fees, and operating rules.
Which Illinois city is best for STR investment?
Chicago is the only city we currently cover in Illinois. Chicago is a reasonable market for owner-occupants who want to STR their primary residence. The $250 fee is cheap, there's no night cap, and 50M+ annual visitors ensure demand. But it's not an investo
Similar States
States with a comparable mixed regulatory profile:
Disclaimer: Data sourced from official Illinois city websites and state statutes. Regulations change. Verify with local authorities before making investment decisions. Last comprehensive review: May 2026.
RentPermitted is not a government agency. We compile public information for educational purposes.