**Program Revised in February 2020. Please read below for updated regulations.**

Rental units have consistently grown over the last twelve years, up to 5,200 in 2019 from 1,450 in 2007. The current 5,200 rental licenses within the City represent more than 11,000 individual rental units.The division of code compliance revised its rental program in early 2020. Based on internal and external outreach the ordinance was updated to assist in utilizing new technologies and communication methods, updating the fee schedule to stay on par with similar communities and programs and improve the satisfaction of landlords and tenants alike while conducting business in the rental environment.

Overview Materials

Fee Schedule 

Applying for a Rental License

Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation operating, maintaining, or offering rental property in the City of Elgin needs to apply for a license. A license is required for all rental residential properties. It is unlawful for a person to occupy a residential rental property that is not licensed.

Licenses are not transferable when a property is sold. A new property owner has 30 days from the date of closing to apply for a new rental license. To apply for a license, complete an application and mail it or drop it off, along with the license fee (see above table).

If applicable, complete the Additional Dwelling Units Room Measurements Form to accompany Rental Residential License Application.

City of Elgin
Rental Licensing
150 Dexter Court
Elgin, IL 60120

Rental License Listing and Map:

• View a PDF listing of rental licenses
• View a map of existing rental licenses

Renewing Rental Property Licenses

When the renewal fee is paid, a property will then be scheduled for an inspection. An inspection letter with the date and time of your inspection will be mailed to the homeowner’s address, as well as the property manager’s address (if there is one on file).

All properties are given a one year license. If your property passes the initial inspection without any violations and the landlord training class requirement has been fulfilled, the property will then be given a two year license extension, thus making it a three year license. You will not receive a second rental license with the updated date.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need additional information, contact:

Jabez Etienne
Rental License Manager
Ph: (630) 574-4449
Fx: (847) 931-6790
Email

Inspections

What Code Officers Are Looking For

In multiple unit buildings, the Code Compliance Officer will inspect the exterior property area, all interior common areas, basements, and 20% of all dwelling units. In single family rental homes, the entire exterior and interior is inspected. The Code Compliance Officers are looking for violations of the property maintenance code and other codes adopted by the City of Elgin. Items such as leaky plumbing fixtures, broken windows, peeling paint, electrical problems, and overcrowding are an example of the types of issues found in the code.

For safety, the city strictly enforces the state law that requires installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for every residence.

For detailed information about what code officers look for in an inspection, view the Rental License Inspection Guide.

If You Do Not Pass Inspection
If the Code Compliance Officer finds that your property is not in compliance with the building or property maintenance codes at the time of the inspection, you and the code officer will work together to determine a reasonable time frame to correct the code violations.

The Code Compliance Division will send you information in the mail describing items that require correction and provide a date of expected compliance.