Evanston, IL Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Evanston's vacation rental program lives in Title 5, Chapter 9 of the City Code (sections 5-9-1 through 5-9-7). Section 5-9-3 requires every operator to obtain an annual STR license from the City before any rental of a dwelling unit for fewer than 30 consecutive days, and section 5-9-4 sets the application, review, and inspection process. The City charges a $150 new-application fee and a $250 annual license fee per unit, and Properties must pass a maintenance and life-safety inspection by Property Standards before issuance. On February 24, 2026 the City Council adopted Ordinance 2-O-26 (an 8-0 vote), which amended Chapter 9 to also require host platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo to obtain a Short-Term Residential Rental Intermediary (STRRI) license at $250 plus $60 per Evanston unit listed, and operators may only use licensed platforms. Section 5-9-5 requires operators to post the license certificate, the operator's authorized agent name and 24-hour phone, the maximum approved occupancy with an evacuation diagram, and street-cleaning and snow-removal schedules conspicuously inside the unit. Operators must also remit the City's Hotel-Motel, Bed-and-Breakfast and Vacation Rental Tax quarterly through the STRRI. Confirm current packet contents with Program Administrator Nishat Saric at (847) 448-4311 or nsaric@cityofevanston.org.