Carol Stream ARTICLE 12: RESIDENTIAL RENTAL LICENSE § 10-12-3
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning: DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, in accordance with occupancy limitations, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. OPERATE. To own, manage, maintain, rent, lease, advertise, or offer for rent or lease any residential rental property or any dwelling unit therein for the purpose of renting to others. OWNER. The person or persons, jointly or severally, that hold legal or equitable title to a parcel of property, including a mortgage holder in possession. PERSON. An individual, partnership, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, beneficial interest holder, association or any other legal or commercial entity. PROPERTY. Any unimproved or improved real property or portion thereof, situated in the village and includes the buildings or structures located on the property regardless of condition. PROPERTY AGENT. A person designated in writing to the village as having authority to manage a residential rental property including the authority to receive notices or citations. RENT. To provide or offer for possession or occupancy a dwelling unit to a person who is not the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to an agreement, written, oral or implied, for consideration or pursuant to articles of agreement for deed or similar agreement, if not recorded with the Recorder of Deeds of DuPage County, Illinois. RENTAL LICENSE. A license required for any owner of a residential building, structure, dwelling or dwelling unit who rents, leases, or controls any portion of the property, building, or structure to another person, business, corporation, or entity for any fixed period of time. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY. A dwelling unit that is rented to persons other than the person(s) holding legal or equitable title to the property. A dwelling unit occupied by a purchaser under the provisions of articles of agreement for deed or similar agreement shall be considered a residential rental property unless the articles of agreement or similar agreement have been recorded with the Recorder of Deeds of Du Page County, Illinois. There shall be a presumption that any dwelling unit that is not occupied by the owner is a residential rental property. (Ord. 2014-09-46, passed 9-15-2014)
Section 10-12-3 of Carol Stream's Article 12 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the residential rental licensing framework. Key terms such as 'dwelling unit,' 'operate,' 'owner,' 'residential rental property,' and 'rental license' are given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the article is interpreted and applied. Notably, any dwelling unit not occupied by its owner is presumed to be a residential rental property, and unrecorded land contract arrangements are treated as rentals. These definitions set the boundaries of who and what falls under the licensing requirements of Article 12.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 10-12-3, property owners and managers in Carol Stream should be aware that the definitions in this section broadly capture a wide range of ownership and management activities under the term 'operate,' including advertising, maintaining, or offering a unit for rent. Owners who hold title but do not occupy their property should note the presumption that such units qualify as residential rental properties subject to licensing. Designating a property agent in writing to the village, as contemplated by the 'property agent' definition, is one way compliant operators typically ensure that notices and citations can be properly received.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 10-12-3 establishes that a dwelling unit not occupied by its owner is presumed to be a residential rental property under Carol Stream's Article 12, which has implications for whether a landlord is required to hold a rental license. Tenants may find it useful to understand that even informal or oral rental agreements fall within the definition of 'rent' under this provision. If questions arise about whether a property is properly licensed, tenants can consult local tenant-rights organizations or contact the Village of Carol Stream directly for information about how these definitions apply.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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