Short-Term Rental Regulations in Illinois (IL)
Illinois has a moderate level of short-term rental regulation. Some restrictions. No statewide STR registration is required. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Illinois has no statewide STR law. Platforms must collect and remit state and local hotel taxes. Chicago has a comprehensive shared housing ordinance. Other municipalities regulate STRs through local zoning and licensing.
Full Requirements Summary
Illinois has 0 key regulatory requirements at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | No | No statewide STR law; local regulation |
| Registration Required | No | No state registration needed |
| License Required | No | No state-level license |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Illinois
STR regulations vary by city within Illinois. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Heavy | Shared Housing Ordinance requires registration. Must be primary residence or licensed vacation rental. $125 registration fee. 4.5% surcharge funds affordable housing. Max 6 guest rooms. Safety standards required. |
| Naperville | Moderate | STRs limited in residential zones. Permit may be required depending on zoning. |
| Evanston | Moderate | STR registration required. Zoning restrictions in some residential areas. |
| Galena | Light | Popular tourist destination. STR permits required. Local lodging tax applies. |
| Springfield | Minimal | No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard hotel tax and business license apply. |
How Illinois Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Illinois with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Illinois stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois (IL) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Florida (FL) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Georgia (GA) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Louisiana (LA) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Maine (ME) | Moderate | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Illinois?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Illinois. No state-level registration is required, though your city may have its own requirements. The state's overall restriction level is moderate. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-level STR license. Individual cities in Illinois may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Illinois has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Chicago has the most restrictive STR regulations in Illinois with a heavy restriction level. Shared Housing Ordinance requires registration. Must be primary residence or licensed vacation rental. $125 registration fee. 4.5% surcharge funds affordable housing. Max 6 guest rooms. Safety standards required.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Illinois?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Illinois state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Illinois, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.