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Aurora, IL Rental Registration: What Landlords Need to Know

If you own a rental in the City of Aurora, or you’re about to rent out a home you used to live in, there’s a city process to know about before a tenant moves in. Aurora runs a rental licensing program through its Property Standards Division, and it applies to far more properties than many owners expect.

Here’s a plain-language overview of what the city’s own materials say, with links to the official pages so you can confirm the details. Rules and fees can change, so always check the current requirements with the city before you rely on them.

Which properties need to be registered

According to the city, any residential property that isn’t occupied by its legal owner must be registered with the Property Standards Division. That includes single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and multi-unit buildings.

It also includes homes rented to relatives. The city’s FAQ is clear that a property occupied by a family member still has to be registered. There is a narrower exemption: a single-family home occupied by the owner’s family where no rent is paid must still be registered, but at no charge, and it’s generally exempt from licensing and interior inspections unless certain conditions apply, such as repeated exterior violations. If that might describe your situation, read the city’s rental ordinance page carefully or call the division.

What the program requires

The city’s registration form lists these requirements for a rental license:

  • Landlord training. The owner, agent, or property manager must attend Aurora’s Crime Free Multi-Housing seminar. The city says it won’t accept certification from other municipalities. Per the city’s FAQ, you only need to attend once, though it recommends a refresher every couple of years.
  • City lease addendum. Aurora has its own landlord/tenant lease addendum, signed by all tenants 18 and older. It goes in with your registration or renewal and is checked at inspection. When you sign a new lease, the city asks for a revised addendum within 14 days.
  • Criminal background checks. You must run a statewide or nationwide criminal background check on each new tenant 18 or older, including family members, and show proof at inspection. The city doesn’t want copies of the reports themselves. Proof that the check was done is what it asks for.
  • Annual inspections. Non-owner-occupied units get interior and exterior inspections every licensing year. The city notes that properties in exceptional condition may receive a waiver of up to two years.

Deadlines to put on your calendar

Aurora’s license year runs from September 1 through August 31, not the calendar year. All rental licenses renew by August 31, and the city says late fees begin September 1. That surprises owners who registered a few months earlier and then get a renewal notice. The city’s FAQ also notes that every renewal notice requires a response.

A few other timing rules from the city’s materials:

  • If you sell a licensed building, the new ownership must be reported within 3 working days
  • The registration form asks owners to notify the city within 10 business days if occupancy changes
  • To reschedule an inspection without a fee, the city asks for at least 48 hours’ notice

How inspections work

The city mails an appointment letter with the inspection date and time. If you’ve assigned an agent or property manager, the letter goes to them instead of you. Inspections happen during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

If the property doesn’t pass, the inspector mails a violation notice listing what needs to be corrected before a re-inspection. Missed inspections and repeat re-inspections carry fees that increase each time, so it pays to be ready the first time. The current amounts are listed on the city’s rental property fees page.

The city also publishes a pre-inspection checklist, along with its requirements for carbon monoxide detectors, heating, and occupancy standards. This is where a make-ready mindset helps. Mario spent years as a remodeling contractor before founding Infinite Effort, and we walk a unit before the inspector does, fixing the small items so they don’t turn into a second trip and another fee.

Details that catch owners off guard

  • Living far away. The city’s registration form requires an agent or property manager if the owner is outside a 30-mile radius.
  • Homeowner exemption. The rental ordinance says a licensed rental may not be filed under the homeowner exemption for property tax purposes. Accidental landlords who moved out should check this.
  • LLCs and trusts. The city requires LLC agent and trustee disclosures at registration and renewal.
  • Unrelated roommates. Under the ordinance, a one-family home with four or more unrelated residents is treated as a lodging house, which comes with additional requirements.

Fees

Registration fees vary with the number of units, and there are separate charges for late renewals, missed inspections, and re-inspections. Because fees can change, we’re not listing amounts here. Check the city’s current fee schedule or call Property Standards before you budget.

How to register or renew

The city offers a registration form and online renewal through its permit and license portal, and the Property Standards Division can answer questions by phone at 630-256-3770. Its office is at 77 S Broadway in Aurora. Start on the city’s property registration page.

Getting help with compliance

Staying compliant is mostly about calendars, paperwork, and a unit that’s ready when the inspector arrives. Infinite Effort handles that as part of managing Aurora rentals: registration and renewals, lease addenda, screening, inspection prep, and follow-up repairs. If you own a rental in Aurora or nearby and want a clear picture of what it should rent for and what it needs, request a free rental analysis.

Official sources

This post is a general overview, not legal advice. Requirements, deadlines, and fees can change. Please confirm current rules with the City of Aurora Property Standards Division before acting.

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