Registration Rules: Aurora vs Elgin
How do registration rules rules compare between Aurora, IL and Elgin, IL?
Aurora and Elgin have similar restriction levels.
Aurora, IL
Kane County
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).
View full Aurora rules →Elgin, IL
Kane County
Elgin's Residential Rental Program Ordinance requires every rental dwelling, including short-term rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo, to be licensed and inspected before tenants occupy the unit. Owners apply through the City of Elgin Rental Licensing office at 150 Dexter Court, pay a tiered fee starting at $149 for 1-5 units, complete a landlord training class, and renew the license each year (a three-year license is granted after a clean inspection).
View full Elgin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Aurora | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Program | Rental Licensing Program | Residential Rental Program |
| Administered By | Dept. of Neighborhood Standards | - |
| License Year | Sept 1 - Aug 31 | - |
| Renewal Deadline | August 31 | - |
| Property Standards | (630) 256-3770 | - |
| Base Fee (1-5 units) | - | $149/yr |
| Initial License | - | 1 yr (3 yr if clean) |
| New Owner Deadline | - | 30 days from closing |
| Rental Licensing | - | (847) 931-6100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Aurora FAQ
Do I have to register my Aurora Airbnb with the City?
Yes. Aurora has not adopted a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance, but its Rental Licensing Program requires every non-owner-occupied dwelling unit and multi-unit property, including short-term rentals listed on Airbnb or Vrbo, to register with the Department of Neighborhood Standards. The owner or property manager must also attend the Landlord Training Class held monthly at Aurora Police Headquarters and renew the license each year by August 31.
What happens if my Aurora rental tenants change without notice?
The City of Aurora Development Services Department must be notified within ten business days of any occupancy change. Failing to notify the City results in a fine of up to $500 in addition to applicable rental license fees and may trigger a property standards inspection. Contact Property Standards at (630) 256-3770 or use the Online License Renewals portal at aurora.il.us to update registration.
Elgin FAQ
Do I have to register my Elgin Airbnb with the City?
Yes. Elgin's Residential Rental Program Ordinance requires every rental dwelling, including short-term rentals listed on Airbnb or Vrbo, to be licensed and inspected. Apply through Rental Licensing at 150 Dexter Court, pay the tiered fee ($149 for 1-5 units), complete the landlord training class, and pass a code inspection. New property owners must apply within 30 days of closing because licenses are not transferable. Reach Rental Licensing at (847) 931-6100.
What does the Elgin rental inspection check?
Code officers inspect the entire exterior and interior of single-family rentals, and the exteriors, common areas, and 20 percent of units in multi-unit buildings. They check for plumbing defects, broken windows, peeling paint, electrical hazards, and overcrowding, and they strictly enforce the Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60) and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (430 ILCS 135). A clean inspection plus completion of the landlord training class extends the license to three years.
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