Mount Prospect, IL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

The Village Code treats habitability as a property maintenance question for every building, not only rentals. Section 21.601 states the purpose: buildings and real estate within the Village are to be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition, free of health, fire and safety hazards. Section 21.602 applies the article to all buildings and real estate located within the Village, in addition to all other Village ordinances.

Section 21.603 adopts the 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code with all appendices, subject to local changes. The code official is the director of community development or a duly authorized representative. Any person can appeal a decision of the code official concerning the interpretation of the code, or request a modification, to the village manager, and the separate Board of Appeals in the model code is deleted.

Several amendments matter to tenants and landlords. Owners must exterminate when the occupant does not (subsection 309.4). The heat supply and occupiable work space provisions carry the dates September 1 to May 1 (subsections 602.3 and 602.4), and insect screens run from April 15 to October 15 (subsection 304.14). Subsection 302.4 sets the weed figure at 8 inches, and subsection 302.10 bars dead trees and shrubs from remaining on any property. Intercom systems must be maintained in good working condition and labeled with the unit number or occupant name (subsection 605.5). Where an association is responsible for repair and maintenance of a property, it can be cited and is dismissed as defendant only on proof that it is not responsible (subsection 301.2). Section 21.604 requires graffiti to be removed, covered or eradicated within five (5) days of Village notice.

The transfer bar is the sharpest tool. Subsection 111.6 makes it unlawful for the owner of a dwelling unit or structure who has received a compliance order or notice of violation to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of it until the order or notice has been complied with. Under subsection 113.1 the code official orders demolition or repair of a structure so deteriorated or dilapidated as to be dangerous, unsafe, insanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation or occupancy. Section 23.1804 also requires every rental agreement to inform the tenant about regular inspection of the unit interior and investigation of complaints of code violations.