Short-Term Rentals in Bolingbrook, IL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Bolingbrook or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bolingbrook has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Bolingbrook does not have a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance with a numeric overnight cap. Hosts must hold the Village landlord license required by Chapter 26 (Section 26-53), pass a Code Enforcement rental inspection before any tenant move-in, and comply with the maximum occupancy figure on the unit's Rental Occupancy Permit and the underlying Property Maintenance Code.

Key details: Code: Ch. 26 / Sec. 26-53. Stand-Alone STR Cap: None adopted. Occupancy Source: Rental Occupancy Permit. Annual License Fee: $75. Inspection Contact: 630-226-8760.

Renting a Bolingbrook unit without the Section 26-53 landlord license, without a current Rental Occupancy Permit, or beyond the occupancy figure on the permit is enforced by the Village Code Enforcement Division. The general penalty for Code of Ordinances violations applies, with each day of unlicensed operation a separate offense, and Code Enforcement may pursue revocation of the landlord license and the Rental Occupancy Permit. Hosting parties or events that exceed the ROP occupancy figure can also trigger nuisance-abatement and HOA-letter compliance review.

Insurance Requirements

Bolingbrook's Code of Ordinances does not impose a numeric short-term rental liability insurance minimum on hosts. The Chapter 26 Good Neighbor Rent/Lease Program (Section 26-53) conditions issuance of the $75 annual landlord license on inspection, training, and lease addendum requirements, but does not publish a fixed dollar liability minimum. Hosts should still carry a short-term rental liability policy because standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial use.

Key details: Code: Ch. 26 / Sec. 26-53. Stand-Alone STR Insurance Min: None adopted. Annual License Fee: $75. Common Market Coverage: $1M liability. Code Enforcement: 630-226-8760.

Because Bolingbrook does not publish a numeric STR liability insurance minimum, the typical enforcement issue is operating without the Section 26-53 landlord license or without a current Rental Occupancy Permit. Those violations are enforced by Code Enforcement under the Code of Ordinances general penalty section, with each day a separate offense and possible revocation of the landlord license. Hosts who fail to remit Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax under 35 ILCS 145 also face Department of Revenue penalties.

The rules around insurance requirements in Bolingbrook lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Parking Rules

STR guests must follow Bolingbrook's standard parking rules. Overnight on-street parking is generally not permitted in Bolingbrook for safety reasons (police, fire, emergency access, snow removal). Guests must park on paved driveways only — no gravel or decorative rock surfaces. Blocking sidewalks or hydrants carries $50–$150 fines.

Key details: Overnight Street Parking: Generally not permitted. Permission: Contact Police for case-by-case approval. Driveway: Concrete or asphalt only — no gravel. Blocking Violations: $50–$150 fines.

Parking violations are addressed through the noise/nuisance complaint process. Hosts receive warnings for first offenses, with fines of $100–$250 for repeat issues that affect the STR permit status.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Bolingbrook are subject to the same noise ordinances as all residents. The disorderly conduct ordinance (§19-501) prohibits improper noise or disturbances within Village limits. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance. Violations carry a $50 fine per offense.

Key details: Code: §19-501(13) — improper noise prohibited. Fine: $50 per violation. Host Responsibility: Responsible for guest conduct. Enforcement: Bolingbrook Police 630-226-8500.

Hosts receive a warning on first noise complaint. Second complaint results in a $250 fine. Third complaint triggers permit suspension hearing. Guests may be cited directly under the noise ordinance.

Taxes & Fees

Bolingbrook imposes an 11% Hotel Room Rental Tax on the use and privilege of renting rooms in hotels within the Village. STR operators are subject to this tax. The Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax adds 6% of 94% of gross receipts at the state level. Hosts must collect and remit applicable taxes.

Key details: Village Hotel Tax: 11% of gross rental charge. State Hotel Tax: 6% of 94% gross receipts (35 ILCS 145). Rental License: $75/year required. Remittance: To Village and State of Illinois.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy taxes carries penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount per month, plus interest. Operating without tax registration may result in back-tax assessments plus fines.

Compared to other cities, Bolingbrook takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Permit Requirements

Bolingbrook requires all landlords and agents to obtain a rental license under the Good Neighbor Rent Lease Program before renting or leasing property (effective July 1, 2007). The annual fee is $75, and licenses expire April 30 each year. Landlords must view a one-hour training video and include a mandatory lease addendum.

Key details: License: Required — Good Neighbor Rent Lease Program. Annual Fee: $75. Expires: April 30 each year. Location: Village Town Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Rd.

Operating without a permit carries fines of $500 per day. Failure to display the permit number on listings results in a $250 fine. Permits may be revoked after three substantiated complaints within 12 months.

The Bottom Line

Bolingbrook's short-term rentals 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 Bolingbrook is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Bolingbrook's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.