Little Response From Elmhurst Airbnb Operators

ELMHURST, IL – Just one Elmhurst short-term rental operator has responded to the city's request to submit license applications. That was among the new local rules in response to residents' concerns, an official said Monday.

The city sent letters two months ago to the 39 known operators of short-term rentals such as Airbnbs and Vrbos, with a submission deadline of Oct. 16, Alderman Mike Brennan told the City Council.

"Would I like to see more than one application submitted? Sure, but again, they have until the middle of October to submit this," Brennan said.

In May, the council enacted regulations for short-term rentals to address residents' complaints about nuisance renters.

The new rules take effect Jan. 1. Under the regulations, the city established a license system for short-term rentals. It requires rentals to be for at least a day.

The city mandates short-term rental operators to keep a register of guests and their arrival and departure dates. They are then required to make the registers available to police officers upon request.

Also, operators are required to provide proof of $1 million homeowner's or host protection insurance policies. Occupancy in such homes will be barred from exceeding the maximum number of people allowed in such dwellings.

Fines for violations will be $250 for the first one, $500 for the second and $1,000 for later ones. Ultimately, the city could revoke the licenses of short-term rental operators.

In his comments, Brennan said the city plans to send follow-up letters to short-term rental operators. Elmhurst has already informed Airbnb and Vrbo about the regulations, he said.

Each operator must pass inspections by the fire and building departments before they get licenses and short-term rental certificates of occupancy, Brennan said.

Compared with other suburbs, Elmhurst's new rules are a lighter touch. Last year, Hinsdale banned all short-term rentals that are less than three months. Other suburbs, including Darien, have gone with one month. Meanwhile, La Grange has informed residents that they cannot use their homes for short-term rentals.