Des Plaines, Illinois Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Des Plaines, IL?

YES - Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Des Plaines currently permits short-term rentals as a permitted use under its general residential rental property licensing framework. The city does not currently differentiate between short-term and long-term rentals in its zoning or licensing ordinances. However, this regulatory landscape is evolving, as the city council is actively considering implementing specific short-term rental regulations that could potentially restrict operations in the future.

Current Status: As of 2023, short-term rentals can operate legally in Des Plaines by obtaining the same rental property license required for all residential rental properties. The city estimates fewer than 10 short-term rental units are currently licensed under this framework.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Des Plaines?

Des Plaines hosts earn a median $37,599/year with $268 ADR and 70% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $66,613+ per year.

See the full Des Plaines market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Des Plaines

Step 1: Property Qualification and Zoning Compliance

Ensure your property is located within Des Plaines city limits
Verify the property is zoned for residential rental use
Confirm your property classification (single-family house, condo, townhouse, or apartment)
Ensure you have legal ownership of the property

Step 2: Obtain Required Rental Property License

Submit a completed rental property license application
Pay the applicable licensing fee based on your property type
Complete the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program requirement
Submit all required documentation and affidavits

Step 3: Pass Required Inspections

Undergo annual rental license inspection
Address any code violations identified during inspection
Ensure property meets all housing and safety standards

Step 4: Register for County Requirements

Comply with Cook County Just Housing Amendment screening requirements
Adhere to Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) if applicable

Step 5: Operational Setup

Create detailed house rules and guest policies
Establish cleaning and maintenance protocols
Set up proper insurance coverage
Create guest communication systems

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

1. Rental Property License

Mandatory for all rental properties in Des Plaines

Application Form: Application for Rental Property License
Original Signed Affidavit: Attesting to zoning regulations and use restrictions
Property Classification Documentation: Based on dwelling type
License Fee: Varies by property type (see fee schedule below)

2. Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Mandatory Phase 1 Class

Must be completed by property owner or property manager
4-hour seminar with certification required
Can be completed online or in-person
Certificate must be attached to license application

3. Annual Rental License Inspection

Required before property can be marketed

Comprehensive property safety and code compliance inspection
Conducted by Code Enforcement
Must be passed before any marketing or occupancy
Annual renewal requirement

Fee Schedule (2023 Rates)

Single Family House: $100.00
Single Family Condo: $20.00
Single Family Townhouse: $50.00
Apartment: $20.00 per unit

Note: Fees are reduced by 50% for applications submitted after July 1st each year

County and State Requirements

Cook County Just Housing Amendment (2019)

Mandatory screening criteria for all rental applications
Limits criminal background check criteria
Specifies income-to-rent ratio requirements
Requires anti-discrimination compliance

Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (2021)

Comprehensive tenant-landlord regulations
Specific lease requirements and addendums
Habitability standards
Enforcement mechanisms and penalties

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Municipal Regulations (Des Plaines City Code Chapter 4-17)

Permitted Uses

Short-term rentals are currently allowed as a permitted use
No minimum rental period established
Entire residential units may be rented

Prohibited Activities

Room rentals: Individual rooms or portions of a residence cannot be rented separately
Multi-family conversion: Properties cannot be converted to multi-family use
Transient lodging: No hotel, motel, boarding house, or rooming house operations

Operational Requirements

Annual license renewal required (expires December 31st)
Mandatory participation in Crime Free Multi-Housing Program
Subject to routine code enforcement inspections
Compliance with all local housing codes and zoning requirements

Pending Regulatory Changes

Proposed 2017 Regulations (Under Consideration)

$100 annual rental license fee
Maximum 10 days per calendar year for short-term rental use
No overlapping bookings allowed
24-hour minimum stay requirement
These regulations were indefinitely deferred but may be reconsidered

Cook County Regulations

Just Housing Amendment

Applies to all rental properties in Cook County
Establishes specific screening criteria
Limits landlords' ability to reject applicants based on criminal history
Requires income verification standards

Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO)

Comprehensive tenant protections
Specific lease requirements and disclosures
Habitability standards and repair obligations
Security deposit regulations
Notice requirements for lease changes or termination

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Des Plaines - Community and Economic Development Department

Primary Licensing Authority

Address: 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: 847.391.5366 (Licensing Division)
Website: www.desplaines.org

Department-Specific Contacts

Licensing Division

Phone: 847.391.5366
Email: Available through website contact form
Function: Rental property license applications, status inquiries, fee payments

Housing and Code Enforcement

Phone: 847.391.6973
Function: Housing requirements, code violations, inspection scheduling

Fire Prevention Bureau

Phone: 847.391.5340
Function: Fire safety requirements, safety inspections

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program Director

Phone: 847.391.5410
Function: Class registration, program requirements, certificate verification

Online Registration

Website: www.desplaines.org
Process: Hover over "I Want To..." → Under "Apply For" → Click "Crime Free Housing Seminar"

Source Pages and References

Official City Documents

Des Plaines Rental Property Licensing Memorandum (August 10, 2023)
- Current regulations and fee schedule
- Application forms and requirements
- Attachment: 2023 NWMC Survey on Short-Term Rentals
- Source: Community and Economic Development Department
Des Plaines Rental Property License Application and Checklist
- Complete application requirements
- Affidavit template
- Fee schedule
- Contact information

Regulatory References

Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) Survey Results (June 2023)
- Comprehensive survey of 20 municipalities
- Comparative analysis of regional STR regulations
- Shows 10 of 20 municipalities have adopted STR-specific ordinances

Market Analysis

RedAwning Market Overview (2024)
- Local STR market performance
- Neighborhood analysis
- Revenue optimization strategies
GC Realty Property Management Guide (December 2022)
- Local market insights
- Licensing requirements summary
- Cook County compliance requirements

Legal Context

Birchwood Law STR Overview
- Illinois-wide legal framework
- Municipal regulation comparison
- Risk management considerations

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Immediate Opportunities

Current legal operation under existing rental property licensing
Lower barrier to entry compared to municipalities with STR-specific bans
Proximity to O'Hare International Airport creates strong demand
Limited current competition (estimated fewer than 10 licensed STRs)

Risk Factors

Potential regulatory changes under active city council discussion
Prohibition proposals from 2017 may be revived
Enforcement uncertainty due to lack of STR-specific guidelines
County compliance requirements add complexity and cost

Investment Recommendations

Obtain proper licensing immediately before any regulatory changes
Maintain strict compliance with all current requirements
Monitor city council meetings for regulatory developments
Consider property management to ensure ongoing compliance
Budget for potential future changes in regulations or fees

Disclaimer: This guide reflects regulations and practices as of 2023. Short-term rental regulations are subject to change, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Des Plaines

Des Plaines is a midsized suburban city in Cook County, Illinois, situated along the Des Plaines River just northwest of Chicago. With a population of roughly 58,000, it carries a comfortable, middle-class suburban character that blends residential neighborhoods with a compact downtown, light industry, and a notable stretch of forest preserve. The city is best known as the home of O'Hare International Airport, much of which sits within its borders, and as the site of the first McDonald's franchise restaurant. Its position roughly seventeen miles northwest of downtown Chicago, paired with direct access to major interstate highways, makes it a practical gateway for travelers exploring the Chicago metropolitan area without the cost or congestion of staying in the city itself.

A visit to the McDonald's #1 Store Museum offers a slice of fast-food history. The small museum, located in a replica of the original 1955 franchise building that Ray Kroc opened in Des Plaines, displays vintage memorabilia, old menu items, and photographs from the chain's earliest days. It sits just a few minutes' drive from the city's downtown core and remains a popular stop for those curious about American commercial history.

Just minutes west of downtown Des Plaines, the Des Plaines River Trail winds through miles of restored prairie, woodland, and wetland, offering one of the most accessible green corridors in the northern suburbs. Cyclists, joggers, and walkers can follow the trail for long stretches in either direction, with connections to several Cook County forest preserves. The trail is well-maintained, free to use, and offers a quiet counterpoint to the dense suburban development that surrounds it.

A short drive south of the city center, Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve) provides more than 3,700 acres of forest, meadow, and water for hiking, biking, picnicking, and fishing. The preserve surrounds Busse Lake, where visitors can rent paddle boats in the warmer months. It is one of the largest and most-visited forest preserves in the Cook County system and draws a steady stream of weekend visitors from across the northwest suburbs.

For entertainment, the Rivers Casino Des Plaines anchors the city's southern edge near the river. As the first land-based casino in the Chicago area, it features gaming floors, restaurants, and live entertainment, attracting visitors from across the region and giving Des Plaines a nightlife element unusual for a suburb of its size.

Des Plaines works well as a base for short-term rental guests who want proximity to O'Hare, a short commute or transit ride into Chicago, and easy access to outdoor recreation along the river and surrounding forest preserves. Its blend of practical location, historic curiosity, and natural space gives the city a broader appeal than its suburban profile might suggest.