Rental Property Rules in Aurora, IL

Aurora maintains 136 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Aurora falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Repairs & Habitability

Aurora requires tightly fitting insect screens of at least 16 mesh per inch on doors, windows, and other ventilation openings of habitable rooms from May 1 through October 1.

Key details: Screen requirement: 16 mesh/inch minimum. Season covered: May 1 - Oct 1. Applies to: habitable-room openings. Citation: PMC § 304.14.

Missing or damaged screens during the May-to-October season, or a swinging door without a working self-closer, is a property maintenance violation enforceable by the city's code official.

Rental Registration

Landlords in Aurora, Illinois (Kane County) must obtain a city license before renting out any non-owner-occupied unit, from a single rental home to a full apartment building.

Key details: Requirement: City rental license before leasing. Applies to: Non-owner-occupied units citywide. License expires: August 31 each year. Max fine: $1,000 per unit per day.

Renting without a license risks refusal, suspension or revocation of the license, plus fines up to $1,000 per unit per day.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its rental registration requirements.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Aurora can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.