Elgin — Ch. 6.37 Rental Residential Property § 6.37.130
Penalty for violation
Operative Text
A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection B of this section, any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter, in addition to any other legal and equitable remedies available to the city, shall subject to the imposition of a fine as provided in chapter 1.20 . Each day during which a violation of this chapter continues or is permitted to exist shall be considered a separate and distinct offense. B. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter in the manner set forth below, in addition to any other legal and equitable remedies available to the city, shall be subject to the imposition of a fine in the amounts set forth below: 1. Failure to provide or maintain documentation that all occupants have been provided with a copy of the city's crime-free lease addendum shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per offense; 2. Operating, maintaining, renting, or offering for rent a rental residential property that is not licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, or occupying or permitting the occupancy of a rental residential property where such license is required, including, but not limited to, instances where such license has been suspended or revoked, shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per offense. 3. Where work performed at a residential rental property without a permit, the owner shall be shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per offense for the first offense, and a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) per offense for the second or subsequent offense by the owner, regardless of whether the second or subsequent offense occurred at the same property as the location of the first offense where an owner owns multiple residential rental properties. 4. Where unlawful basement sleeping has occurred at a residential rental property, the owner shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per offense for the first offense, and a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) per offense for the second or subsequent offense by the owner, regardless of whether the second or subsequent offense occurred at the same property as the location of the first offense where an owner owns multiple residential rental properties. 5. Where the maximum occupancy of the rental property has been exceeded, or an additional dwelling and/or rooming units have been added without the prior approval of the city, the owner shall be subject to a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Each day during which a violation of this subsection continues or is permitted to exist shall be considered a separate and distinct offense.
Elgin Ch. 6.37 § 6.37.130 establishes a penalty structure for violations of the city's rental residential property rules. General violations are subject to fines set by Chapter 1.20, while specific infractions—such as failing to document the crime-free lease addendum, operating an unlicensed rental, performing unpermitted work, allowing unlawful basement sleeping, or exceeding maximum occupancy—carry their own minimum fines ranging from $100 to $500 per offense. Critically, every day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, meaning fines can accumulate rapidly over time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Elgin Ch. 6.37 § 6.37.130 generally keep current licenses for all rental units, maintain documentation showing tenants have received the crime-free lease addendum, obtain permits before performing any work, and avoid overcrowding or unauthorized dwelling additions. Compliant operators also track whether any prior offenses have been recorded, since § 6.37.130(B)(3) and (B)(4) impose higher minimum fines—$500 per offense—for second or subsequent violations, even if those violations occur at different properties. Because each day of a continuing violation is treated as a distinct offense, addressing any identified issue promptly is a hallmark of compliant property management.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Elgin Ch. 6.37 § 6.37.130, tenants have an interest in knowing that their landlord is required to hold a valid rental license, document the crime-free lease addendum, and maintain the property in compliance with occupancy and permitting rules. If a tenant believes their landlord is operating in violation of these requirements—such as renting an unlicensed unit or allowing overcrowding—they may consider contacting the City of Elgin's code enforcement or housing office to report the concern. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Elgin's rental ordinances can help residents understand what options may be available, including whether a violation under § 6.37.130 could be relevant to other aspects of their tenancy.
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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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