Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cook County, IL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Cook County, IL, but with restrictions. STRs are defined as rentals for 24 hours to 30 days. 'Supervised' STRs (host present) must follow home-based business rules, while 'Non-Supervised' STRs require a special use permit, are limited to 6 guest bedrooms, and must provide one bathroom per guest bedroom. Occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom, and advertising signs are prohibited. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STRs are defined as rentals for 24 hours to 30 days. 'Supervised' STRs (host present) must follow home-based business rules, while 'Non-Supervised' STRs require a special use permit, are limited to 6 guest bedrooms, and must provide one bathroom per guest bedroom. Occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom, and advertising signs are prohibited.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cook County. 1. Submit a completed Residential Rental License Application via the online portal (https://bzpermits.cookcountyil.gov/rental-dwelling). 2. Pay the annual licensing fee based on the number of units. 3. Schedule and pass an initial property inspection; for Non-Supervised STRs, obtain a Special Use permit and business occupancy approval. Licenses must be renewed annually by September 15.

1. Submit a completed Residential Rental License Application via the online portal (https://bzpermits.cookcountyil.gov/rental-dwelling). 2. Pay the annual licensing fee based on the number of units. 3. Schedule and pass an initial property inspection; for Non-Supervised STRs, obtain a Special Use permit and business occupancy approval. Licenses must be renewed annually by September 15.

Vrbo is permitted in Cook County, IL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Cook County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Cook County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.