Rental Registration and Inspection Program

In 2010, the Village established a rental registration and inspection program to ensure compliance with property maintenance and basic life safety standards in its growing rental housing stock, which comprises approximately 50% of all housing units. The program was refined over time, with fees updated in 2020.

Bensenville’s rental regulation program stands out as an example of a non-home rule community. While Bensenville, as a non-home rule community, is unable to require rental licensing, the Village has found success through its registration and inspection program.

All rental properties — whether single-family homes, two-flats, or multifamily buildings — must register annually with the Village. Registration fees are set by housing type: $211 for single-family homes, $222 for two-family properties, and $210 per multifamily building plus $11 per unit. Property owners can register at any time, and failure to register results in referral to administrative adjudication.

Once registered, an inspection is scheduled within 30 days and must be completed by October 1. If registration occurs after October 1, the inspection must be completed by December 31. Inspections are conducted annually and may also be triggered at any time by tenant complaints. Each registration fee covers the cost of two inspections, with additional follow-up inspections incurring extra fees if violations are not corrected promptly.

Rental units shall not be occupied unless a certificate of inspection has been issued by the Village. Inspections focus on key life safety and property maintenance issues. A Village staff member conducts inspections in addition to other responsibilities. As inspectors become familiar with common issues, the process has grown more efficient.

To streamline operations and reduce administrative workload, the Village contracts with a third-party vendor to manage an online system for registration and scheduling of inspections.