Elk Grove Village tightens short-term rental rules

Elk Grove Village has tightened its restrictions on short-term rentals, extending its required minimum length of stay at a residence from 30 to 90 days.

The amendment to municipal code, unanimously approved by the village board Tuesday night, provides a cushion for enforcement of any purported problem houses, officials said.

“We thought by getting 90, you get a more stability factor,” Mayor Craig Johnson said Wednesday. “It’s not kids renting it for parties. It’s truly some serious renters there.”

Officials passed the original ordinance banning short-term rentals — defined at the time as a residential structure offered for rent for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days — following a New Year’s Eve party three years ago at a house near Lake Cosman.

Towns in the Northwest suburbs have started clamping down on short-term stays in residential neighborhoods, including in Arlington Heights, where trustees last week passed a ban set to take effect this summer. Aldermen in Des Plaines also discussed crafting rules of their own, following complaints from neighbors about loud music, unruly guests and other problems.

The Elk Grove ordinance doesn’t affect anyone who offers annual leases, or hotel owners.

Johnson said landlords he talked to were OK with the length-of-stay change. It’s common for properties to be rented to business people who may be in town for six months during a company transition, he said.

“Transient changeover can become an issue, whereas having 90 you get more stability with it,” Johnson said. “We were having problems even with 30. 30 is a pretty long time, but it’s really not.”