Overview: STR Status in Naperville

Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in Naperville, Illinois. The Naperville City Council passed Ordinance No. 20-087 on August 18, 2020, which banned short-term rentals throughout the city. Effective September 1, 2020, it became unlawful to operate, use, offer for rent, or advertise any property within Naperville's corporate limits as a short-term residential rental. This is one of the strictest regulatory approaches in Illinois regarding short-term rentals.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

It is not possible to legally start a short-term rental business in Naperville. The city's outright ban means no new short-term rental operations are permitted, regardless of property type, location, or operational model.

For investors considering alternative strategies:

• Medium-term rentals (30+ days) are permitted but subject to standard rental regulations and any applicable HOA restrictions
• Long-term traditional rentals (12+ months) are fully permitted and represent the primary rental investment option in Naperville
• Properties must comply with all standard residential rental requirements, building codes, and zoning ordinances

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For traditional long-term rentals (which are the only legal rental option in Naperville):

Required Documents

• Standard residential lease agreement compliant with Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act
• Lead paint disclosure (pre-1978 properties)
• Radon disclosure
• Move-in/move-out checklist
• Security deposit documentation
• Property condition documentation (photos/videos)

Permits and Licenses

• No general rental license required in Naperville for residential properties
• Standard business registration if operating as LLC or corporation
• Any required building permits for renovations or repairs

Guidelines and Standards

• Property must comply with Naperville Property Maintenance Code
• Standard habitability requirements apply
• Fair Housing laws must be observed
• HOA rules and regulations (if applicable) must be followed

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Naperville Regulations

• Complete ban on short-term rentals (less than 30 consecutive days)
• Pre-existing exception: Limited exception for rentals with agreements signed before August 19, 2020, for rental dates through October 19, 2020 (no longer applicable)
• No rental license requirement for traditional residential rentals
• Property maintenance code enforcement
• Standard occupancy limitations based on habitable square footage
• Heat requirements: 68°F October 1 to May 1
• Trash collection regulations
• Grass/weeds height limitations (5" right-of-way, 8" private property)
• Sidewalk clearance requirements
• Parking restrictions
• Animal control regulations

County-Level Regulations (DuPage and Will Counties)

Naperville spans two counties, creating jurisdictional considerations:

DuPage County:

• Standard Illinois landlord-tenant law applies
• No additional RTLO (Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance) like Cook County
• Evictions handled through 18th Judicial Circuit Court (Wheaton)

Will County:

• Standard Illinois landlord-tenant law applies
• No separate RTLO
• Evictions handled through 12th Judicial Circuit Court (Joliet)

State of Illinois Regulations

• Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act governs rental relationships
• Security Deposit Return Act requirements (interest required for 25+ units at single location)
• Fair Housing law compliance
• Lead paint disclosure requirements (pre-1978)
• Radon disclosure requirements
• Standard tax obligations (income, property taxes)

Contact Information

Naperville City Contacts

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Questions:

• Allison Laff
• Email: laffa@naperville.il.us

Code Enforcement:

• Phone: (630) 420-6693
• Email: CodeEnforcement@naperville.il.us

Building Permits:

• TED Business Group
• Address: 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL 60540
• Phone: (630) 420-6100
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Human Rights & Fair Housing Commission:

• Phone: (630) 420-6190 (discrimination concerns)
• Main line: (630) 420-5315

Finance Department (Utility Questions):

• Phone: (630) 420-6059
• Address: 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL 60540
• In-person hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Call Center: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Other Important City Numbers:

• Noise and Nuisance Concerns: (630) 420-6666
• Property Maintenance: (630) 420-6100
• All Other Inquiries: (630) 420-6111

County Contacts

DuPage County Circuit Court (for DuPage properties):

• Address: 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187
• Website: dupagejudges.org

Will County Circuit Court (for Will properties):

• Address: 14 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432
• Website: willcountycircuitcourt.com

Source Pages

1. Naperville City Official Website - Tenants and Landlords

   • URL: www.naperville.il.us/residents/tenants-and-landlords/
   • Contains official city ordinance information and contact details

2. Ordinance No. 20-087 (Short-Term Rentals Ban)

   • URL: www.naperville.il.us/globalassets/media/projects/ted-business-group/short-term-rentals/ordinance-20-087.pdf
   • Official city ordinance banning short-term rentals

3. Naperville Municipal Code

   • URL: www.municode.com/library/il/naperville/codes/code_of_ordinances
   • Complete city ordinances and regulations

4. GC Realty Blog - Naperville Rental Guide

   • URL: www.gcrealtyinc.com/blog/what-you-must-know-about-renting-your-property-in-naperville-illinois
   • Local property management perspective on Naperville rental market

5. SummerOS - Illinois Short-Term Rental Laws

   • URL: www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law
   • State-level STR regulations context

6. Checkmate Rentals - Illinois STR Laws Guide

   • URL: www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/illinois-short-term-rental-laws
   • Comprehensive Illinois rental law overview

Investment Considerations for Naperville

Given the complete ban on short-term rentals, potential investors should focus on:

1. Traditional Long-Term Rentals: The only legally viable rental strategy
2. Strong Market Fundamentals: High-quality tenant base, excellent schools, stable property values
3. HOA Considerations: Many rental properties are in managed communities with strict rental policies
4. Property Maintenance Compliance: Regular inspections and code enforcement
5. County-Specific Requirements: Understanding which county (DuPage/Will) governs your specific property

Naperville represents a challenging but potentially lucrative market for traditional rental investments, despite the prohibition on short-term rental operations.