OVERVIEW: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Chicago Heights, IL?

Based on the provided content, no specific short-term rental regulations for Chicago Heights, Illinois were found. However, short-term rentals are legal in the State of Illinois under general state law, with regulations primarily enforced at the local level. Chicago Heights operates under Illinois state statutes, which allows short-term rentals but grants municipalities authority to establish local regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Chicago Heights

Since Chicago Heights-specific regulations are not detailed in the provided content, investors should follow these general Illinois state-level steps:

Step 1: Business Registration

• Register your business entity (LLC, corporation, or other business structure)
• Obtain any necessary federal and state tax identification numbers

Step 2: Tax Registration

• Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) for state tax obligations
• Set up accounts for hotel operators' occupation tax and sales tax collection

Step 3: Local Compliance Research

Since specific Chicago Heights ordinances weren't found in the provided content, you must:

• Contact Chicago Heights city hall directly to confirm current local regulations
• Verify zoning compliance for your specific property location
• Check for any local licensing or permit requirements

Step 4: Insurance and Safety

• Secure appropriate insurance coverage (minimum $1 million commercial general liability is common in similar Illinois markets)
• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers)

Step 5: Property Preparation

• Ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards
• Prepare property for rental operations (furnishing, amenities, cleaning protocols)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Illinois)

Registration Requirements:

• Business registration documents
• Illinois Department of Revenue tax registration
• Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax registration (for rentals of 30 days or less)

Required Documentation:

• Property ownership or lease documentation
• Business insurance policy
• Emergency contact information
• Property description and specifications
• Guest registration and record-keeping procedures

Local Requirements (Chicago Heights)

Note: Specific Chicago Heights requirements were not found in the provided content. Based on similar Illinois municipalities, expect to provide:

• Local business license application
• Property inspection documentation
• Zoning compliance verification
• Local tax registration
• Safety equipment compliance certificate

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Illinois State Regulations

Legal Definition:

• Short-term rental defined as residential unit rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer
• Applies to single-family dwellings, condominiums, cooperatives, and multi-unit structures

State Tax Obligations:

1. Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax: 6% of gross rental receipts
2. Sales Tax: 6.25% state sales tax (additional local sales taxes may apply)
3. Short Term Rental Occupation Tax: Additional taxes as specified in Senate Bill 2564

Platform Obligations:

• Major platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com) must collect and remit applicable taxes
• Platforms must comply with state tax collection and remittance requirements

Chicago Heights Local Regulations

Status: Not specified in provided content

Based on Illinois House Bill 2919 (HB2919), local governments cannot prohibit short-term rentals but may establish regulations for:

• Public health and safety protection
• Zoning compliance
• Tax collection at commercial transient lodging rates
• Safety inspections and requirements

Contact Information

Illinois State-Level Contacts

Illinois Department of Revenue

• Website: www.revenue.state.il.us
• Phone: (217) 782-3336
• Address: 101 W Jefferson St, Springfield, IL 62702

Chicago Heights Local Authority

Note: Specific contact information for Chicago Heights STR regulation authority not found in provided content

Chicago Heights City Hall

• General Information: Contact Chicago Heights city hall directly for STR-specific regulations
• Address: Chicago Heights City Hall, Chicago Heights, IL

Useful State Resources

O'Flaherty Law (Illinois STR Legal Information)

• Phone: (630) 324-6666
• Email: Info@Oflaherty-Law.com
• Website: www.oflaherty-law.com

Important Links to Source Pages

Illinois State Resources

1. Illinois Short-Term Rental Laws Overview - Comprehensive Illinois STR legal framework
2. House Bill 2919 (HB2919) - Illinois short-term rental regulatory statute
3. Senate Bill 2564 - Short Term Rental Occupation Tax Act
4. Illinois Department of Revenue - Tax registration and compliance

Municipal Comparison Examples

5. Tinley Park STR Regulations - Example of suburban Chicago STR rules
6. Chicago STR Regulations - Major city STR compliance framework
7. Naperville STR Prohibition - Example of municipal prohibition

Compliance Resources

8. Lodge Compliance Platform - STR compliance management tools
9. SummerOS Data Platform - Market analysis and compliance

Critical Next Steps for Chicago Heights Investors

1. Verify Local Status: Contact Chicago Heights city hall to confirm current STR regulations
2. Check Zoning: Ensure your property is zoned appropriately for short-term rental use
3. Insurance Verification: Confirm insurance requirements and obtain appropriate coverage
4. Tax Setup: Register with Illinois Department of Revenue for state tax obligations
5. Legal Consultation: Consider consultation with Illinois real estate or hospitality law attorney familiar with Chicago Heights regulations

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided content and general Illinois state law. Always verify current local regulations with Chicago Heights authorities before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.