Short-Term Rentals in Joliet, IL

If you live in Joliet 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. Joliet has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Primary-Residence-Only Rule

Joliet's rental housing ordinance defines a "short-term rental unit" as a dwelling that is primarily owner-occupied except for the duration of the rental itself. That Sec. 8-151 definition is what limits the short-term rental category to owner-occupied homes rather than standalone investment properties rented out full time.

Key details: Definition: STR unit must be primarily owner-occupied. Governing section: Sec. 8-151, Division 15, Chapter 8. Annual STR fee: $75.00 short-term rental registration. Ineligible category: Type IV rental dwellings barred from STR use. Enforcing office: Director of Neighborhood Services.

Operating a short-term rental that does not meet the ordinance's registration and owner-occupancy terms exposes the owner to the same enforcement track as any uncertified rental dwelling: a fine of up to $750.00 per violation per day under Sec. 8-152(d) for failing to hold a valid registration, plus denial, cancellation or revocation of the short-term rental registration after notice and a Chapter 3 administrative hearing under Sec. 8-153.3(b).

Short-Term Rental Permits

Anyone operating a short-term rental dwelling unit in Joliet, whether booked directly or through a hosting platform, must hold a short-term rental registration issued by the director of neighborhood services under Sec. 8-153.3, on top of every other applicable law.

Key details: Permit type: Short-term rental registration, Sec. 8-153.3. Annual fee: $75.00 short-term rental registration. Applies to: All STR operators, including platform bookings. Inspection: Director-scheduled or complaint-based. Fine for operating unregistered: Up to $750 per violation per day.

Renting a Joliet dwelling short-term without the Sec. 8-153.3 registration violates the occupancy bar in Sec. 8-152(h) and carries a fine of up to $750.00 per violation per day under Sec. 8-152(d). The director can also deny, cancel or revoke the registration for good cause, including any registration or ordinance violation, after notice and a hearing under Chapter 3 of the Code.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Joliet actively enforces its short-term rental permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

Joliet'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 Joliet is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Joliet 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.