Rental Registration: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do rental registration rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago does not have a general rental property registration requirement for all landlords. However, the RLTO (MCC 5-12) imposes disclosure requirements, and specific licensing applies to shared housing (STR) operators and buildings with code violations.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines requires owners of residential rental properties to register and obtain a rental dwelling license through the City. Properties are subject to periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the property maintenance code. Annual license fees apply per dwelling unit.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| General Registration | Not required for standard rentals | - |
| RLTO Disclosure | Owner name/address + manager info required (MCC 5-12) | - |
| STR Registration | Required for shared housing (MCC 4-14) | - |
| Troubled Buildings | Additional requirements for problem properties | - |
| RLTO Summary | Must be attached to every lease | - |
| License | - | Required |
| Inspection | - | Periodic |
| Renewal | - | Annual typical |
| Local Agent | - | Required |
| Smoke/CO | - | Required by IL law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Do Chicago landlords need to register their rental property?
There is no general rental registration requirement in Chicago. However, landlords must disclose owner and manager information to tenants under the RLTO, and short-term rental operators must register under MCC 4-14.
What disclosures must Chicago landlords make?
Under the RLTO (MCC 5-12), landlords must disclose the owner's name and address, the manager's name and address, and attach a copy of the RLTO summary to every written lease and renewal.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need to register my rental property in Des Plaines?
Yes. The City requires owners of residential rental property to obtain a rental dwelling license, with annual fees and periodic inspections to verify compliance with property maintenance and safety codes.
What does the rental inspection check for?
Inspections verify smoke and CO detectors, proper egress, electrical and plumbing safety, structural integrity, and compliance with the City's property maintenance code adopted from the IPMC.
What if I live out of state?
Out-of-town owners must designate a local agent who can be reached for emergencies and accept service of process. Contact (847) 391-5300 to confirm rental licensing requirements.
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