Des Plaines, IL Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Des Plaines operates a residential rental licensing program requiring owners of rental properties (typically including single-family rentals, two-flats, and multi-family buildings) to register with the City and obtain a rental dwelling license. Application requires identification of the owner and any local management agent who can be reached in emergencies, the number and type of dwelling units, and a fee per unit. Rental properties are subject to periodic inspections by the Building Division or Code Enforcement to verify compliance with the property maintenance code, fire safety requirements, and occupancy standards. Common inspection items include working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms (Illinois Smoke Detector Act and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act), proper egress, electrical safety, plumbing, and structural integrity. Licenses are typically renewed annually. Out-of-town owners must designate a local agent for service of process and emergency response. Failure to license a rental property is a code violation. The licensing program helps the City maintain rental housing quality and respond to tenant complaints.