Executive Summary: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Romeoville, IL?

Explicit Answer: Yes, short-term rentals appear to be allowed in Romeoville, IL, subject to the same licensing and regulatory requirements as long-term rentals. There are no specific prohibitions against short-term rentals found in the provided Romeoville municipal code. However, operators must comply with Romeoville's comprehensive residential rental property licensing requirements, which include mandatory inspections, crime-free housing provisions, and annual licensing fees.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Romeoville

Starting a short-term rental business in Romeoville requires following the Village's established residential rental property licensing framework. The process involves several key steps:

Step 1: Property Preparation

• Ensure your property meets minimum property maintenance standards
• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors)
• Address any existing code violations
• Prepare for mandatory inspection

Step 2: License Application

• Submit residential rental property license application to the Village
• Pay applicable licensing fees
• Designate a property agent if required (mandatory for owners of 5+ properties)
• Complete crime-free housing seminar requirement

Step 3: Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

• Schedule and pass Village inspection per Chapter 155 requirements
• Obtain current and valid certificate of occupancy
• Address any inspection findings before license issuance

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

• Maintain crime-free housing standards
• Renew license annually
• Comply with all Village ordinances and codes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Residential Rental Property License (Required)

Application Requirements:

• Completed written application on Village-provided forms
• Owner Information: Name, postal address, home and business telephone numbers
• Property Trust Information: If property is held in trust, provide beneficiary information, ownership percentages, corporate/partnership details, registered agent information
• Property Agent Designation: Name, postal address (no P.O. Boxes), email address, business/home/mobile telephone numbers of owner and property agent to be contacted for violations
• Emergency Contact: Telephone number of owner or property agent for emergency situations
• Inspection Agreement: Acknowledgement that rental property will undergo inspection per Chapter 155
• Property Agent Requirements: Mandatory for owners of 5+ properties; must reside or maintain regular office within 50 miles of Village limits

Fees and Renewals

Initial License Fees:

• Single-family dwelling unit: $75 per residential dwelling unit
• Apartment and multi-family buildings: $100 per residential building

License Renewal Fees:

• Single-family dwelling unit: $65 per unit (if owner completes required crime-free housing seminar online); $75 if attending live/in-person seminar
• License year: January 1 to December 31 annually
• No proration of fees
• New license required if ownership changes during license year

Certificate of Occupancy (Required)

• Must be current and valid for the residential rental property
• Issued upon successful completion of inspection per Chapter 155
• Required for both initial license issuance and renewals

Crime-Free Housing Seminar (Mandatory)

• Initial Requirement: Must be successfully completed prior to license issuance
• Renewal Requirement: Every three years
• Delivery Options:
  • In-person seminar administered by Police Department
  • Online program available for single-family residential dwelling unit owners
• Additional Component: Includes Fair Housing Act training (42 USC 3601-3619)

Additional Required Documentation

• Crime-Free Lease Addendum: Must be included in all residential rental agreements
• Criminal Background Checks: Required for all prospective tenants
• Lease Documentation: Copies of all leases, addendums, and background checks must be provided to Police Department

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Romeoville Municipal Regulations

Licensing Requirements:

• Annual residential rental property license required for all rental properties
• Exemptions: Single-family dwellings without certificate of occupancy requirement, hotels/motels, nursing homes, group homes, university dormitories
• License non-transferable and non-assignable
• Application changes must be reported to Village within 10 days

Property Maintenance Standards:

• Properties must comply with International Property Maintenance Code (2000 Edition) as adopted by Village
• Exterior structure maintenance requirements (Chapter 304.1)
• Address identification requirements: Minimum 4-inch Arabic numerals, plainly visible from street
• Weed control: Maximum 6-inch height for grass/weeds
• Trash container regulations and garbage collection requirements

Crime-Free Housing Requirements:

• Crime-free lease addendum mandatory for all rental agreements
• Criminal background checks required for all tenants
• Immediate eviction proceedings required for criminal activity violations
• Police Department notification requirements for background checks and lease documentation

Parking and Zoning Compliance:

• Vehicles must be parked only on approved parking areas
• Storage regulations for trailers, boats, recreational vehicles
• Outdoor storage restrictions per zoning requirements

Noise and Nuisance Regulations:

• Disturbing the peace prohibited per Chapter 93.02
• Nuisance property declarations for criminal activity or ordinance violations
• Police service call thresholds for nuisance determination

Will County Regulations

No specific Will County short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. County-level requirements would likely be limited to general zoning and property tax considerations.

Illinois State Regulations

Definition and Scope:

• Short-Term Rental Definition: Residential unit rented for less than 30 consecutive days (HB2919)
• Eligible Properties: Single-family dwellings, residential units in multi-unit structures, condominiums, cooperatives, timeshares
• Excluded Uses: Non-residential units, bed and breakfast establishments, transient accommodations not classified as residential for taxation

State Taxation Requirements (SB2564 - Short Term Rental Occupation Tax Act):

• Primary Tax: 5% of 94% of gross rental receipts
• Additional Tax: 1% of 94% of gross rental receipts
• Combined Rate: 6% of 94% of gross receipts (Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax)
• Filing Requirements: Form RHM-1 (monthly, quarterly, or annual based on liability level)
• Electronic Payment: Required for annual liabilities of $20,000 or more
• Platform Collection: STR platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com) required to collect and remit taxes

Local Tax Authority:

• Municipal governments may impose sales taxes at rates equal to commercial transient lodging
• Chicago-specific additional taxes may apply if operating within Chicago jurisdiction

Business Registration:

• May be required at municipal level for business operations
• Illinois Department of Revenue registration required for tax remittance

Insurance Requirements:

• General liability coverage recommended
• Property insurance requirements as per lender or management company standards
• Some municipalities may require minimum coverage levels

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of Romeoville - Primary Contacts

Code Enforcement Division (Licensing and Inspections):

• Phone: 815-886-7215
• Location: 1050 West Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL 60446
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Police Department (Crime-Free Housing and Enforcement):

• Phone: 815-886-7219
• Crime-Free Housing Seminar: Contact Police Department for scheduling
• Emergency Contact: 815-886-7219

Village Hall (General Administration):

• Phone: 815-886-7200
• Address: 1050 West Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL 60446
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Additional Helpful Numbers:

• Fire Department: 815-886-7227
• Public Works: 815-886-1870
• Water Billing: 815-886-7212
• Recreation Center: 815-886-6222

Illinois State Contacts

Illinois Department of Revenue (Tax Registration and Filing):

• Website: www2.illinois.gov/revenue
• Business Services: Tax registration and STR occupation tax filing
• Forms: RHM-1 (Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Return)

Source Links

Romeoville Municipal Resources:

• Code Enforcement Division: www.romeoville.org/265/Code-Enforcement-Division
• Residential Rental Property Licensing Ordinance: www.romeoville.org/DocumentCenter/View/1287
• Forms and Permits: www.romeoville.org/755/Forms-and-Permits
• Report Code Violations: romeovilleil.portal.opengov.com/categories/1096/record-types/6543

Illinois State Resources:

• House Bill 2919 (Short-Term Rental Regulation): www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB2919.htm
• Senate Bill 2564 (Short-Term Rental Occupation Tax): www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=112&GA=103&DocTypeId=SB&DocNum=2564&GAID=17&LegID=149769&SpecSess=&Session=
• Illinois Department of Revenue: www2.illinois.gov/revenue

Additional Resources:

• Romeoville Municipal Code (various chapters referenced): library.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Illinois/romeoville_il
• Short-Term Rental Industry Analysis: www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law

Important Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided content and municipal codes available at the time of analysis. Local regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Village of Romeoville before proceeding with any short-term rental investment. Consider consulting with local legal counsel and accounting professionals familiar with Illinois short-term rental regulations for personalized guidance.