Joliet, IL Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Joliet treats long-term and short-term rental of a second dwelling as distinct regulatory tracks. Long-term (30 days or more): owners must register the unit with Joliet's residential rental program, supply emergency contact information, and submit to periodic external inspections through Inspectional Services. Tenancies are governed by the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705/) for general lease terms, the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/) which requires return of the deposit within 30 to 45 days with itemized deductions, and the Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 715/) which requires interest payments on deposits held by landlords owning 25 or more units. Eviction proceeds through the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.) in the Will County Circuit Court (12th Judicial Circuit). Rent control is prohibited statewide under the Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/1 et seq.), preventing Joliet from capping rents or restricting rent increases. Short-term rentals (under 30 days): the Joliet Zoning Ordinance Chapter 47 controls where short-term rental use is permitted; operators must obtain any required city license and remit Joliet's Hotel-Motel Tax (authorized by 65 ILCS 5/8-3-14) plus Illinois state hotel operators' occupation tax (35 ILCS 145/3) and Will County hotel tax where applicable. Platforms like Airbnb collect some taxes automatically, but operators remain responsible for verification. Fair housing protections apply under the federal Fair Housing Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/), and Joliet ordinances covering race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, source of income, ancestry, military status, and other protected categories.