Carol Stream landlords will need a license

Landlords will soon need a rental license to rent out residential property in Carol Stream.

The village board approved an ordinance also requiring landlords and property managers to complete a crime-free housing seminar conducted by police before obtaining the license.

The cost of the license to rent out houses is $75. For apartments and multifamily units, it's $100 per building.

Landlords also must include "crime-free" housing addendums in their leases or rental agreements with tenants, which allow for tenants to be evicted if they or their guests and invitees commit crimes, according to village documents.

Landlords who fail to include the addendums - or fail to enforce its provisions - can be fined or have their licenses suspended or revoked.

Village Manager Joseph Breinig said the village is in the process of hiring a coordinator to oversee the new initiative.

"Probably in another month or so we'll have the person hired," Breinig said.

The licensing requirement would not apply to some properties, including hotels and motels, nursing homes, retirement centers, rest homes and hospices.