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1. Is there a fee for registering my rental property?

Yes, all non-owner-occupied properties must be registered. Registration fees start at $90 per property and vary based on the number of rental units per property.

View a copy of the full fee schedule (PDF).

2. When does my rental license renew?

All licenses renew on August 31 of each year.

3. I just paid for my license a few months ago. Why am I receiving a renewal so soon?

All licenses renew on August 31 of each year. The rental licensing year runs from September 1 through August 31 of the following year, not on a calendar year. All renewal notices require a response.

4. How often are rental properties inspected?

Rental properties are inspected annually each licensing year. A waiver good for one to two years may be issued to properties of exceptional quality during inspections. If a property does not pass on the first inspection, it may be subject to further re-inspections along with applicable re-inspection fees and fines.

5. Do I have to attend landlord training every time I purchase or register a new rental property?

Landlords and agents need only attend the landlord training once. However, it is recommended that they attend the class every couple years so that they stay up-to-date on the Rental Licensing Program and other legal matters pertaining to owning rental properties.

6. I no longer own my rental property. Why did I receive a renewal form?

If you have sold your property and still received a renewal form, please call the Property Standards office at 630-256-3770 to update your information.

7. I am renting my property to a family member. Do I still need to register it? What about background checks?

Yes. Any property not occupied by the legal owner must be registered with the Property Standards Division. Once the property is registered, you will receive a renewal form annually to verify the status of the property. Criminal background checks must be run on all tenants 18 years or older, regardless of relationship to the property owner.

View a list of background check sites.

8. Am I required to run background checks on my tenants each year?

No. You are only required to run a criminal background check each time you have a new tenant 18 years or older. However, you are required to show proof of this background check at each inspection. Property Standards does not maintain any background check information because of the confidential nature of such information. Additionally, you are required to provide a City of Aurora Lease Addendum with your registration/renewal & at the time of inspection signed by all tenants 18 and older.

Download the

New! Lease Addendum (PDF).

9. Criminal backgrounds contain sensitive information. Am I required to show them to the inspector?

At the inspection, you are only required to show proof that a background inspection has been conducted on all tenants aged 18 or older. You do not need to show the actual background check. The background check must be a statewide or nationwide criminal background check.

10. How will I know when my rental property will be inspected?

An appointment letter with the date and time of the inspection will be sent by mail. If an agent is assigned, the appointment letter will be sent directly to the agent, not the owner.

11. What happens if I miss an inspection?

A $150 no-show fee applies to missed initial inspections. Contact your inspector, or the Property Standards office at 630-256-3770, to reschedule the inspection as soon as possible. The no-show fee increases with each missed inspection. A second no-show is $250 and a third no-show is $500.

12. How do I reschedule an inspection if I am unable to attend the time on the appointment letter?

Contact the inspector listed on the appointment letter as soon as possible. Appointments must be rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a fee.

13. What happens if I do not pass my initial inspection?

The inspector will mail a violation notice by mail, enumerating each violation that will need to be correction before the re-inspection date. Re-inspection fees are:
- First re-inspection: $80
- Second re-inspection: $150
- Third re-inspection: $250
- Fourth re-inspection: $500

Pass your inspection the first time. Download the pre-inspection checklist (PDF).

14. How do I evict a tenant?

Evictions are handled through the sheriff’s department of the county in which the property is located. For more information, please check out the Crime Free Multi-Housing Manual.