Residential Rental Licensing
The City’s rental licensing program ensures that all who live in West Chicago—whether they are renters or owners—reside in safe and sanitary conditions as required by the City’s Code. The Code has minimum standards for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, safety from fire and other hazards and sanitary maintenance. Landlords further benefit from the licensing requirement to obtain an annual rental inspection because their rental property investment is better protected over the long term.
Landlord Information
As part of the Rental Licensing Program, landlords are responsible for obtaining a Rental License, renewing their license annually, and scheduling an Annual Rental Inspection.
Provided on this web page is information on each of these item as well as answers to common questions from landlords.
Obtaining a Rental Property License
To obtain a Rental Property License, landlords must submit an application for a ‘New’ Rental Property License along with a copy of the deed and submit a payment for the appropriate license fee.
Landlords will also need to obtain an approved inspection of the property by the City before having tenants move in. Please contact the Community Development Department to schedule an inspection appointment.
A rental license will be mailed once all items have been completed.
Rental Property License Renewal Application
Landlords are required to submit an application for a ‘Renewal’ of a Rental Property License by December 31 each year. A license renewal mailing is provided in late fall each year as a reminder from the City.
Scheduling Annual Rental Inspection
An annual rental inspection is required. Inspections are scheduled on-the-hour Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except 12:00 p.m. At the time of your inspection, landlords must provide proof that tenant(s) were notified at least seven days in advance and addition to a copy of the signed lease in which permission is granted to the City and landlord to enter the unit(s) for means of inspecting on an annual basis.
Please contact the Community Development Department to schedule an inspection.
Preparing for Annual Rental Inspection
An Inspection Report is followed to check for minimum life safety requirements and general property maintenance both inside and out. The inspection will last approximately 30 minutes. If the inspector identifies any code violations and/or property maintenance problems needing correction, the landlord is granted 30 (thirty) days to make corrections and obtain an approved inspection. Failure to make repairs and obtain an approved inspection within the 30-day time period may result in additional fees, citations and possible fines.
Renewing License if Tenants Have Not Paid Utilities
Per Article XV, Sec. 9-305 and Sec. 9-316 of the City Code of Ordinances, no license shall be renewed until all money owed the City has been paid.
If landlords are having trouble getting tenant(s) to pay their water or garbage bill on a timely basis, it is best to pay the amounts or fines owed directly by the renewal deadline and then ask for reimbursement from tenant(s). Requiring a security deposit or stipulating payment of utilities in the lease agreement may also help to recoup costs.
Removing Property from List of Rental Properties During Sale or Vacancy
Per Article XV, Sec. 9-302 of the City Code, “once an owner has obtained a rental license for a dwelling unit, that unit will be deemed a rental property and an annual license will be required until such time as the owner of the property provides proof, to the satisfaction of the city, that he is legally residing in the dwelling unit, maintaining said unit at the domicile and physically inhabiting said unit, or that the property has been sold, or ownership has otherwise relinquished.”
As such, landlords are required to submit their license renewal application and pay the fee by the end of the calendar year. If the sale is completed before, however, no license would be required.
Standards for Maintenance of Residential Properties
Property maintenance and upkeep is ultimately the landlord’s responsibility. If a citation results from violations, the landlord may be required to pay the outstanding fines/fees for your rental license to be renewed. The City has provided a list of common code violations and information about standards for maintenance of residential properties on its website for reference.
Landlords may avoid problems through careful screening of tenants (including, but not limited to credit reports and background checks) and requiring a signed lease and payment of a security deposit.
Tenant Information
Provided is an understanding of rental tenants rights. As a note for tenants, in addition to asking to requesting a copy of the landlord’s current rental license with the City for the rental property, tenants should also learn as much as possible about the lease agreement process.
Using online resources will assist with being informed about the specifics to look out for in a rental dwelling or lease and may also provide details about the landlord.
Tenant Rights
The City is limited to the protection of tenant rights only as they relate to property maintenance.
It is recommended, however, that tenants ask to see a copy of the landlord’s current rental license with the City to ensure that the rental property complies with rental standards. For other concerns such as payment of rent, security deposits, etc., please refer to your signed lease agreement as these are civil matters that may require consultation with a lawyer.
Property Maintenance Issues
Tenants experiencing property maintenance issues, may contact the Community Development Department with a description of the problem.
If determined necessary, staff will schedule a time for inspectors to meet with tenants at their residence to examine the possible violation. If a violation is found, the landlord will be issued a Notice of Ordinance Violation and be given a deadline by which the problem must be corrected.