Rental Property Rules in Cook County, IL (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Cook County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cook County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Rental Registration

Cook County passed a Rental Dwelling Ordinance on June 29, 2016, establishing rental property registration and inspection requirements for unincorporated areas. Landlords must comply with county building and housing codes.

Cook County Rental Registration

Some Restrictions

Cook County Ordinances — Service Information

County Ordinances — Service Information — Search and view the Cook County code of ordinances, or laws, as passed by the County Board of Commissioners. Adopted ordinances that have not yet been codified, or formally added to the code, are also available for viewing through this site. External Service Link — County Code of Ordinances - Municode.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Repairs & Habitability

Cook County Code § 38-255 makes it every landlord's duty to keep rental housing free of lead hazards, with mandatory notice to tenants and lease renewal restrictions where hazards are found.

Cook County Landlord Lead Hazard Duty

Significant Restrictions

Cook County Code § 38-255

It is the duty of every Owner of a Regulated Facility to maintain the Regulated Facility in such a manner so as to prevent the existence of a Lead Hazard.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗