Cook County Ordinance 19-5236 regulates short-term rentals in unincorporated areas through registration, taxation, and operator standards but does not require the host to live on-site or be present during stays, unlike Chicago's stricter Shared Housing rules.
Cook County's Ordinance 19-5236 created a STR registration program through the Department of Revenue covering rentals of 30 days or fewer in unincorporated Cook. Operators must register the unit, designate a 24-hour local responsible party reachable within one hour, post emergency contacts inside the unit, and remit the Cook County Hotel Accommodations Tax on each booking. The ordinance does not impose a host-presence or owner-occupancy requirement, so non-owner operators and remote investors may register a unit so long as the local responsible party can answer complaints. Chicago, by contrast, distinguishes Shared Housing Units from Vacation Rentals and treats unhosted rentals more strictly under MCC Chapter 4-13.
Failing to register, missing the local responsible-party requirement, ignoring complaints, or failing to remit the Hotel Accommodations Tax triggers fines up to $1,000 per day, registration revocation, and platform removal under Cook County Department of Revenue enforcement.
Cook County, IL
Unlike Chicago's Shared Housing framework, Cook County Ordinance 19-5236 does not restrict short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. Any registered, ...
Cook County, IL
Operating a short-term rental without a valid license in Cook County is a misdemeanor. The Cook County Land Services Department oversees licensing. Illinois ...
See how Cook County's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.