How to get a short-term rental permit in Chicago, IL (2026)
Chicago requires Shared Housing Unit Registration (Shared Housing Registration Number) — the fee is $250, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Shared Housing Unit Registration (Shared Housing Registration Number) |
| Permit fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. No special zoning district approval is required, but the unit must be a lawfully established dwelling unit with six or fewer sleeping rooms in a residential building. Primary-residence and per-building caps apply by building type: single-family homes and 2-4 unit buildings must be the host's primary residence with max 1 active rental; buildings with 5+ units are capped at the lesser of one-quarter of dwelling units or 6 rentals. Voters in precincts containing RS1/RS2/RS3-zoned property can petition to create Restricted Residential Zones that prohibit new shared housing units and vacation rentals (existing units are grandfathered), and building owners can place their buildings on a Prohibited Buildings List. Units are also ineligible if a lease or HOA rules prohibit short-term rental.
- 2
Apply for the Shared Housing Unit Registration (Shared Housing Registration Number)
Submit the Shared Housing Unit Registration (Shared Housing Registration Number) application to Chicago and pay the $250 fee. Fee raised from $150 to $250/year effective January 1, 2026 under the 2026 City budget. Hosts approved for more than one registration must also hold a Shared Housing Unit Operator License (SHUOL): $500 for a two-year license (was $250). A Commissioner's Adjustment application (exception request) costs $360. Platforms/intermediaries pay separate license fees ($250-$10,000/year by unit count, plus $60 per unit).
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Chicago. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
- 4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Chicago changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
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Verified July 10, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Chicago before applying.