Tinley Park's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Tinley Park, Illinois, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Repairs & Habitability

Tinley Park adopts the International Property Maintenance Code and amends it to require landlords to heat rented dwelling units to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit from September 1 through May 15. The same code chapter requires roofs, flashing, gutters and downspouts to be kept sound and free of leaks so interior walls stay dry. The Building Department enforces both standards under Village Code § 155.07(H).

Key details: Minimum heat temperature: 68°F in habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms. Heating season: September 1 through May 15. Work-space minimum: 65°F in occupied indoor work spaces. Governing code: IPMC §§ 602.3, 602.4, 304.7 as amended. General penalty: $50 to $750 per day, § 10.99.

A landlord who fails to supply heat or lets a roof leak is subject to Village Code's general penalty, § 10.99: a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $750, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense. Courts may also add conditional discharge, restitution, community service or an order to correct the violation by a set date.

Rental Registration

Tinley Park requires every residential rental unit, rooming house or rooming unit to carry a current residential rental license issued by the Village Clerk before an owner can rent it out. The license is a personal privilege, not property, and cannot be transferred to a new owner.

Key details: License issuer: Village Clerk. Single-family fee: $100 per year. Multi-family fee: $100 base + $15/unit. Initial application fee: $50. License term: Expires December 31 annually.

Renting without a current license, letting a Crime Free Housing Addendum lapse without renewal, or failing to certify paid-up water billing are each violations of Chapter 129F. Under § 129F.15, any person, firm, corporation or business entity violating the chapter is fined not less than $50 nor more than $750, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense. A license can also be denied, suspended or revoked after an informal hearing before village representatives.

Compared to other cities, Tinley Park takes a harder line on rental registration. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Tinley Park'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 Tinley Park is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Tinley Park 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.