Chicago, Illinois

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Cook County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $250Business License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026
$250License Cost

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$250
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT4.5% Chicago Hotel Accommodation Tax and 6% Shared Housing Surcharge

Official Sources

chicago.gov/sharedhousing
Data confidence: 88%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Chicago, Illinois

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Chicago, Illinois are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $250). A lodging/occupancy tax of 4.5% Chicago Hotel A applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Chicago, Illinois?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Chicago, Illinois.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Chicago?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $250.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Chicago?

Short-term rentals in Chicago are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 4.5% Chicago Hotel A.

Where do these Chicago short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Chicago's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Chicago, Cook County, or Illinois authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.