Aurora's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Aurora, Illinois, there are 8 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.

Registration Rules

Aurora has not adopted a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance. Hosts must register and obtain a rental license through the City's Rental Licensing Program administered by the Department of Neighborhood Standards / Property Standards Division (630-256-3770), attend the Landlord Training Class held monthly at Aurora Police Headquarters, and renew the license each year by August 31 (license year runs September 1 through August 31).

Key details: Program: Rental Licensing Program. Administered By: Dept. of Neighborhood Standards. License Year: Sept 1 - Aug 31. Renewal Deadline: August 31. Property Standards: (630) 256-3770.

Operating a rental dwelling in Aurora without a current City rental license, failing to renew by August 31, or failing to notify the Development Services Department within ten business days of an occupancy change is a Code of Ordinances violation enforced by the Department of Neighborhood Standards. The City may assess a fine of up to $500 in addition to applicable license fees, deny or revoke the license, cite property maintenance code violations after inspection, and pursue further enforcement through the City's administrative hearing process.

Night Caps

Aurora does not impose a minimum-night requirement or an annual cap on the number of nights a registered short-term rental may host guests. Operators must hold a current City rental license issued by the Department of Neighborhood Standards, comply with the Aurora Property Maintenance Code, and remit the Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax (35 ILCS 145, 6 percent) on stays under 30 days.

Key details: Min Nights: None published. Annual Night Cap: None published. License Renewal: August 31. IL Hotel Tax: 6% (35 ILCS 145). Property Standards: (630) 256-3770.

Because Aurora does not publish a night cap, the operational risk is operating without a current City rental license, failing to attend the required Landlord Training Class, failing to notify the Development Services Department within ten business days of an occupancy change (fine up to $500 plus license fees), or failing to remit Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax under 35 ILCS 145. Citations are issued by the Department of Neighborhood Standards and the Illinois Department of Revenue collects unpaid state hotel tax with interest and penalties.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Aurora gives residents more flexibility on night caps.

Permit Requirements

Aurora requires a general business license for all STR operators. The property must be the host's primary residence. STR of an entire dwelling is limited to 180 days per 365-day period. Only one booking at a time is allowed.

Key details: License: Business license required. Initial Fee: $43 (2-year). Renewal Fee: $26 every 2 years. Annual Limit: 180 days per year. Primary Residence: Required.

Operating without a license: fines up to $1,000 per day. Platforms facilitating unlicensed STRs: $1,000 per day. License revocation for repeated violations.

This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Aurora are subject to the city's general noise ordinance with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 10 AM weekends. Hosts are responsible for guest compliance. Violations may result in license revocation.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM weekdays. Weekend Hours: 10 PM–10 AM. Host Liability: Responsible for guests. Enforcement: License may be revoked.

Noise violation: up to $250 first offense. Repeated STR-related noise complaints may result in business license revocation.

Taxes & Fees

Aurora imposes an 8% lodger's tax on STR listings rented for less than 30 nights, plus the Illinois 6% hotel operators' occupation tax. Business license costs $43 initially with $26 biennial renewals.

Key details: Local Tax: 8% lodger's tax. State Tax: ~6% hotel operators' tax. Combined Rate: ~14%. License Fee: $43 initial / $26 renewal.

Failure to collect or remit lodger's tax: penalties plus back taxes. Operating without license: fines up to $1,000 per day.

This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Parking Rules

STR guests in Aurora must follow citywide parking rules including the overnight street parking ban from 2 AM to 6 AM. Hosts should provide off-street parking information to guests. Winter parking bans apply during snow events.

Key details: Overnight Ban: 2 AM to 6 AM. Winter Ban: 2+ inches snow. Host Duty: Inform guests. Towing: Possible for violations.

Overnight parking violation: ticket and potential towing. Winter parking ban violation: ticket and tow.

Occupancy Limits

Aurora permits only one booking per STR at a time. Occupancy must comply with building code standards based on bedroom count and square footage. The property must be the host's primary residence.

Key details: Bookings: One at a time only. Occupancy: Building code standards. Code Section: §26-219. Safety: Smoke/CO detectors required.

Exceeding occupancy limits: fine and potential license revocation. Multiple bookings at once: unlawful under §26-219.

Insurance Requirements

Aurora STR hosts should carry liability insurance. The business license requires compliance with all applicable city codes including safety standards. Platforms like Airbnb provide host protection insurance but hosts should verify coverage.

Key details: City Mandate: Business license required. Platform Insurance: Varies by platform. Homeowner Policy: May exclude STR. Recommendation: STR-specific coverage.

Operating without proper business license: fines up to $1,000/day. Liability for guest injuries falls on the property owner.

The Bottom Line

Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Aurora's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.