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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Decatur, IL

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as dwellings rented for less than 30 days and are subject to an 8% Hotel Use Tax. Operators must file sworn monthly tax returns with the Finance Department and maintain a valid annual license for each unit.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Application and provide a Certificate of Insurance. 2. Submit the application and the $25.00 annual license fee via the City of Decatur OpenGov online portal. 3. Register to file sworn monthly hotel use tax returns with the Finance Department.

Official Resources

Official Decatur STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Decatur, IL?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Decatur, IL, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals are defined as dwellings rented for less than 30 days and are subject to an 8% Hotel Use Tax. Operators must file sworn monthly tax returns with the Finance Department and maintain a valid annual license for each unit. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Decatur, IL?
Short-term rentals are defined as dwellings rented for less than 30 days and are subject to an 8% Hotel Use Tax. Operators must file sworn monthly tax returns with the Finance Department and maintain a valid annual license for each unit.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Decatur?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Decatur. 1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Application and provide a Certificate of Insurance. 2. Submit the application and the $25.00 annual license fee via the City of Decatur OpenGov online portal. 3. Register to file sworn monthly hotel use tax returns with the Finance Department.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Decatur?
1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Application and provide a Certificate of Insurance. 2. Submit the application and the $25.00 annual license fee via the City of Decatur OpenGov online portal. 3. Register to file sworn monthly hotel use tax returns with the Finance Department.
Is Vrbo legal in Decatur, IL?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Decatur, IL, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Decatur?
Short-term rental hosts in Decatur 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Decatur?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Decatur. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction