Unlike Los Angeles, Chicago does not offer an Extended Home-Share permit that lifts annual nightly caps; hosts choose between the standard Shared Housing registration or the higher-tier Vacation Rental license under MCC 4-6-300 with stricter rules.
MCC 4-13 and 4-14 set a two-tier framework. Shared Housing covers a host's primary residence rented short term, with annual nightly caps when the host is absent. Hosts seeking more frequent rentals must instead obtain a Vacation Rental license under MCC 4-6-300, which permits a wider operating window but adds inspections, insurance, and tax obligations and limits how many units may operate in a single building. Chicago has not adopted an LA-style Extended Home-Share tier that simply lifts the nightly cap on a primary residence. Hosts are therefore forced into the Vacation Rental category if they want broader operations.
Exceeding nightly caps without converting to a Vacation Rental triggers MCC 4-14 fines of $1,500 to $3,000 per offense per day, license suspension, listing removal, and disqualification from renewal at the next registration cycle.
Chicago, IL
Chicago does not require the host to remain onsite during a Shared Housing rental, but the dwelling must be the host's primary residence registered under MCC...
Chicago, IL
Chicago's Vacation Rental and Shared Housing Ordinance MCC 4-14 limits most short-term rental hosts to their primary residence. Non-primary listings require ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago Shared Housing Ordinance requires registration for STR (stays <32 days). Primary residence required (245 days/year). Registration $125; Shared Housin...
See how Chicago's extended home share rules stack up against other locations.
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