Registration Rules: Chicago vs Oak Park

How do I register an Airbnb in Chicago?

Apply through BACP's Shared Housing Registration portal (webapps4.chicago.gov/chicagohouseshare). The unit must be your primary residence (lived in at least 245 days/year), pass a zoning review, and not appear on the City's prohibited buildings list or sit in a restricted residential zone. The annual fee is $125 per unit, and you must obtain your registration number before advertising on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Can I rent more than one Airbnb in the same Chicago building?

Generally no. In a building with 2 to 5 units, only one unit can be registered because each host is limited to one primary residence. In buildings with 5 or more units, the City caps short-term rentals at one-quarter of the units or six units, whichever is fewer, regardless of how many hosts apply.

How do I register my short-term rental in Oak Park IL?

Contact the Village Clerk at (708) 358-5670 to obtain an application. You'll need proof of ownership, primary residence documentation, liability insurance, and Illinois tax registration. A building inspection must be completed before the license is issued.

How often do I need to renew my short-term rental license in Oak Park?

The license must be renewed annually. Renewal requires updated insurance documentation, payment of renewal fees, and any applicable re-inspection of the property.

Is there a public registry of Airbnb properties in Oak Park?

Yes. The Village maintains a registry of licensed short-term rental properties. This helps neighbors and the community verify that rentals in their area are properly licensed.