Can I Airbnb in Chicago, IL? (2026)

Short-term rentals (31 days or fewer) are legal citywide in Chicago, but every unit must hold a city-approved Shared Housing Registration Number ($250 per year, renewed annually), and hosts with two or more units also need a $500 two-year Shared Housing Unit Operator License. The biggest restriction: in single-family homes and 2-4 unit buildings the unit must be the host's primary residence (max 1 rental per building), one-night stays are banned, and units cannot be in a voter-petitioned Restricted Residential Zone or on the Prohibited Buildings List. Lodging taxes total about 17.5% (10.5% city + 1% Cook County + 6% state hotel tax), mostly collected by the platforms. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

What’s required: a Shared Housing Unit Registration (Shared Housing Registration Number) ($250) is required; occupancy taxes apply; renew annual.