Joliet, Illinois Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Joliet, IL?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Joliet, IL, but they are subject to comprehensive rental property regulations. The City of Joliet has implemented a Systematic Rental Inspection Program that affects ALL landlords, including those operating short-term rentals. This means that if you own any property you do not reside in and someone else occupies it (regardless of whether rent is paid), this is considered a rental property subject to city oversight.

Key Point: Joliet requires registration, licensing, and inspection of rental properties, including short-term rentals. The city does not distinguish between short-term and long-term rental properties for licensing purposes—any rental property must comply with the city's rental inspection program.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Joliet?

Joliet hosts earn a median $37,060/year with $174 ADR and 71% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $53,310+ per year.

See the full Joliet market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Joliet

Starting a short-term rental business in Joliet requires following these essential steps:

Step 1: Property Analysis and Compliance Verification

Before purchasing or converting a property for short-term rental use, verify:

The property's zoning allows for rental use
Compliance with building and safety codes
Any homeowners association (HOA) or condo board restrictions
Suitability for short-term rental operations

Step 2: Registration with City of Joliet

Complete the mandatory registration process:

Download and fill out the rental property registration form from the city website
Submit the form with the required $100 license fee
Registration covers all rental properties regardless of rental duration

Step 3: Inspection Preparation

Prepare your property for inspection:

Ensure all safety systems are functional (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers)
Verify structural integrity and habitability standards
Address any code violations before inspection
Maintain the property to meet city housing standards

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

After receiving your license:

Display the license number in all advertising materials
Maintain property standards throughout operation
Keep records of rental activities
Renew your license annually
Cooperate with scheduled inspections

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents and Licenses:

Rental Property Registration:

Completed rental owner registration form
$100 license fee payment
Proof of property ownership
Contact information for property owner and local contact person

Business Considerations:

Consider obtaining general liability insurance (recommended for protection)
Business registration may be required depending on rental structure
Tax registration for applicable state and local taxes

Guidelines and Standards:

Property Standards:

Compliance with city housing codes
Functional safety systems (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors)
Proper egress and emergency access
Adequate heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
Property maintenance standards

Operational Guidelines:

Must maintain rental property registration and license
Properties subject to inspection at city discretion
Compliance with all applicable building and fire codes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Joliet):

Rental Inspection Program Requirements:

All landlords must register with the City of Joliet
License fee of $100 per property
All rental units subject to inspection (previously exempt properties now included)
Registration covers single-family rental homes, two-unit homes, and condo units
Even properties with no rent paid or occupied by relatives are subject to program

Inspection Program Details:

City schedules inspections starting in January 2023 (ongoing program)
Properties receive notification of inspection date and time
Properties can continue operating while awaiting inspection
Inspections cover safety, habitability, and code compliance

County-Level Regulations:

No specific county-level short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content for Will County. City regulations generally supersede county rules for properties within municipal boundaries.

State-Level Regulations (Illinois):

General Illinois Requirements:

Short-term rental operators subject to Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax
Additional local lodging taxes may apply
Compliance with state health and safety standards required
If renting 2+ units in buildings with 4+ units, Illinois Department of Public Health licensing required

Municipal Flexibility:

Illinois allows municipalities significant latitude in regulating short-term rentals
Cities can implement their own licensing, zoning, and operational requirements
Joliet has chosen to regulate through its comprehensive rental inspection program

Zoning Considerations:

Joliet enforces zoning compliance for rental properties. Short-term rental operators should verify that their intended use complies with local zoning ordinances, which may restrict certain types of rentals in specific residential areas.

Contact Information

Primary Contact - Neighborhood Services Division:

Phone: (815) 724-4090 Department: Community Development - Neighborhood Services Division Responsibility: Rental property registration, licensing, and inspection program

City of Joliet Main Contact:

Phone: (815) 724-4000 Address: 150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Additional Resources:

Rental Inspection Program Information: joliet.gov/rentalinspectionprogram Registration Form: www.joliet.gov/RentalOwnerRegistration

Source Links

Joliet City News - New Requirements for Rental Properties (January 9, 2023): www.joliet.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4189/
Joliet Rental Inspection Program Page: www.joliet.gov/government/departments/community-development/neighborhood-services-division/rental-inspection-program
Illinois Short-Term Rental Laws - O'Flaherty Law: www.oflaherty-law.com/learn-about-law/illinois-short-term-rental-laws
Airbnb Regulations by State - iGMS Guide: www.igms.com/airbnb-regulations-by-state/

Important Note: Short-term rental regulations are subject to change. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Joliet Neighborhood Services Division before proceeding with property acquisition or operation. The comprehensive rental inspection program represents Joliet's approach to ensuring rental property standards, and short-term rentals must comply with these requirements alongside traditional long-term rentals.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Joliet

Joliet is a city in northeastern Illinois and serves as the county seat of Will County, with a population of roughly 150,000 residents. It sits about 45 miles southwest of downtown Chicago along the Des Plaines River, functioning as a transitional city between the Chicago metropolitan area and the more rural stretches of central Illinois. Long associated with limestone quarrying, steel manufacturing, and its stretch of historic Route 66, Joliet has a working-class character mixed with revitalized downtown areas and a growing entertainment and hospitality scene. Travelers often pass through on their way to or from Chicago, while others use it as a base for exploring the wider southwest suburbs and the natural attractions of the Illinois River valley.

One of the city's most recognizable landmarks is the Old Joliet Prison, a stone fortress-style correctional facility that operated for more than a century before closing in 2002. Located within the city, it now offers public tours of its cell blocks, yard, and historic chapel, drawing visitors interested in Midwestern crime history and architecture. A short drive to the east, the Chicagoland Speedway in nearby Joliet hosts NASCAR and IndyCar events, transforming the area during race weekends into a busy hub of hotels, restaurants, and short-term rentals.

Downtown Joliet is anchored by the Rialto Square Theatre, a 1926 movie palace turned performing arts venue whose ornate Spanish Baroque interior draws concertgoers and touring productions year-round. The surrounding streets also feature the Joliet Area Historical Museum and a series of Route 66-themed murals and diners that pay tribute to the city's role along the Mother Road. A few minutes south of the city, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie offers miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails through restored prairie, bison viewing areas, and interpretive programs for visitors seeking a quieter outdoor experience.

Roughly an hour and a half to the west, Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois's most popular outdoor destinations, with sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and bluff-top overlooks along the Illinois River. Day-trippers from Joliet can easily reach it, and many use the city as an overnight stop before or after exploring the park's lodge and trails.

Together, these offerings make Joliet a practical and varied base for short-term rentals. Its proximity to Chicago, its own lineup of cultural and entertainment venues, and easy access to both urban and natural attractions give the city year-round appeal for road trippers, race fans, and visitors exploring northern Illinois.

Joliet, Illinois

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STR Regulations for Joliet, Illinois