🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Aldermen Move to Put Airbnb Power in Their Own Hands
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Chicago Aldermen Move to Put Airbnb Power in Their Own Hands
A new ordinance poised to shake up Chicago’s short-term rental landscape is gaining momentum at City Hall. On June 11, a key committee voted to advance a proposal that would give aldermen the authority to unilaterally block short-term rentals in individual precincts—no petition from residents required.
The measure, introduced by Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41st), would replace the current rule requiring signatures from 25% of registered voters in a precinct to enact a ban. Napolitano says the current process places too much responsibility on residents and leaves neighborhoods vulnerable to disruptive rentals. His ordinance would let aldermen take the lead, with STR operators able to challenge bans only if they gather signatures from 10% of local voters.
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Most aldermen on the License and Consumer Protection Committee backed the proposal, citing repeated issues with rowdy guests and noise complaints, particularly in high-density areas.
“These rentals are wreaking havoc on our buildings,” said Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), describing guests who take over pool decks, lobbies, and fitness rooms in downtown high-rises.
The measure comes as neighborhoods continue to grapple with how to balance tourism-driven income with community stability. Critics, including Airbnb, argue the ordinance is an overreach.
“This amendment would punish responsible homeowners and hurt small businesses,” said Airbnb spokesperson Jonathan Buckner.
Mayor Brandon Johnson is staying on the sidelines for now. While not endorsing the ordinance, he acknowledged the concerns of aldermen and said he wants to ensure policy decisions promote a safe, affordable city. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, notably absent from the hearing, was criticized by some aldermen for not weighing in on potential tax impacts.
Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th), who opposed the ordinance, pointed out that short-term rental taxes have contributed millions toward domestic violence programs. “It’s important to ask how we plan to replace that funding,” he said.
The current ordinance has been difficult for many aldermen to enforce. Ald. Marty Quinn (13th) successfully banned STRs across his entire ward—but only after collecting 12,000 signatures over seven years. For him, this new ordinance is a long-overdue fix.
“Short-term rentals don’t work in single-family neighborhoods,” Quinn said.
If approved by the full City Council, the ordinance would hand unprecedented control over short-term rentals to individual aldermen. Supporters call it a necessary tool for local control. Opponents worry it could lead to uneven enforcement and fewer economic opportunities citywide.
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