DuPage County, Illinois, October 13, 2025
News Summary
DuPage County officials will consider a zoning text amendment to allow and regulate short‑term rentals in unincorporated areas, introducing mandatory registration, annual inspections, an occupancy limit of five unrelated people and a yearly fee. Fee revenues would be placed into a county housing fund to support low‑interest loans and construction financing for long‑term housing. The report also highlights a $136 million sale of a 640‑unit Naperville complex, $124 million in financing for a 334‑unit Wheaton rental project, and a state‑backed emergency rental grant program offering up to $25,000 for qualifying households.
DuPage County Board to Vote on New Annual Rules for Short‑Term Rentals; Suburban Apartment Deals and Housing Aid Also in Focus
What’s happening now: DuPage County officials are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a proposal that would permit and tightly regulate short‑term rental properties in unincorporated parts of the county on an annual basis. The text amendment would be the first formal step toward allowing rentals of less than 30 days in those areas, subject to registration, yearly inspection and an annual fee. Money raised by the fee would be placed into a county housing fund to support long‑term housing programs.
Key elements of the short‑term rental proposal
- Registration of all short‑term rental properties in unincorporated DuPage County.
- Annual inspections to confirm compliance with county building, health, stormwater and zoning codes and other applicable statutes.
- An annual fee to be set later if the plan advances; the county board will determine the exact amount.
- An occupancy cap of no more than five unrelated adults unless a special event permit is approved for temporary exceptions.
- Fees collected to fund low‑interest housing loans, construction loans and other housing program activities as part of a broader affordable housing strategy.
County planning and zoning officials estimate there are currently between 65 and 300 short‑term rentals operating in unincorporated areas at any given time. Most have come to officials’ attention through complaints about property damage, disruptive parties or other neighborhood impacts. If the text amendment passes, staff will draft an ordinance to spell out the specific rules and fee schedule.
Why this matters
The proposal aims to give the county control over a growing segment of the rental market while creating a dedicated funding stream for housing initiatives. County leaders have already eased some zoning rules to promote affordable housing and are planning a down‑payment assistance program that would use surplus funds to help first‑time buyers.
Major Naperville apartment sale signals investor appetite
A New Jersey investor purchased a nearly 34‑acre apartment complex at 1598 Fairway Drive in Naperville for $136 million. The property includes 640 units across 39 two‑story buildings and was completed in 1984. The sale is among the largest suburban multifamily transactions this year and was financed with a loan of just over $90.8 million.
The complex had a reported vacancy rate of 6.6 percent with asking rents averaging about $1,879 per unit, or roughly $2.11 per square foot. This transaction follows a pattern of high‑priced suburban deals driven by strong rent growth and a slowdown in new apartment construction in the Chicago region, which has pushed demand and values for existing buildings higher.
Wheaton sees big financing win for downtown apartment project
A developer secured roughly $124 million in combined construction debt and institutional equity to build a seven‑story, 334‑unit rental building at 220 W. Liberty Drive in downtown Wheaton. The financing package includes an $84 million construction loan and about $40 million in equity from a large insurance investor. The development will also include about 4,500 square feet of ground‑floor retail space slated for a local café and sits within walking distance of commuter rail service.
The project is expected to tap into suburban demand for rentals, where some households remain renters longer than in the past as borrowing costs and economic uncertainty affect homebuying. The building is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2027 and is currently described as the only major apartment project underway or in active planning in Wheaton.
Emergency rental assistance available for eligible DuPage households
Households in DuPage County that fell behind on rent during the COVID‑19 pandemic may qualify for emergency rental grants through a state program. Eligible residents could receive up to $25,000 to cover unpaid rent and related housing costs for months from June 2020 through August 2021. The program provides up to 15 months of assistance and pays grants directly to landlords, so tenants must apply in coordination with their housing providers.
Applications were made available online at https://ilrpp.ihda.org. Additional assistance and instructions can be requested via email at [email protected] or by calling (866) 454‑3571. County officials say the goal is to prevent evictions and help families regain stability while keeping landlords whole.
Context and market notes
Suburban rent per square foot has been rising, and some analysts point to a construction slowdown as a key factor pushing rent growth higher. Recent large transactions and new project financing reflect investor confidence in suburban multifamily housing and in transit‑oriented, walkable locations that attract renters seeking access to downtown jobs and local amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the county vote decide?
The vote will determine whether to approve a text amendment allowing and regulating short‑term rentals in unincorporated DuPage County. If approved, officials will draft a detailed ordinance that sets registration, inspection and fee rules.
When would the rules take effect if approved?
Approving the text amendment is the first step. A final ordinance, fee schedule and an effective date would follow after drafting, review and a separate approval process.
How many short‑term rentals are estimated to be in unincorporated DuPage County?
Officials estimate between about 65 and 300 short‑term rentals may be operating at any one time in unincorporated areas.
What limits will apply to occupancy?
The proposed rules would cap occupancy at five people who are not related by blood or marriage, unless a special event permit grants a temporary exception.
How will the fee money be used?
Revenue from the proposed annual fee would go into a county housing fund to support low‑interest loans, construction financing and other housing program needs tied to long‑term housing strategies.
Who can apply for the rental assistance program and how?
Tenants who fell behind on rent because of COVID‑19 may qualify for up to $25,000 to cover rent owed between June 2020 and August 2021. Tenants must apply with landlords since payments go directly to housing providers. Apply at https://ilrpp.ihda.org or email [email protected] or call (866) 454‑3571 for details.
What does the Naperville sale mean for renters?
Large sales often reflect strong investor demand, which can be tied to higher rents in markets with limited new supply. The specific impact on tenants depends on ownership decisions about rent levels and property management after purchase.
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Key Features at a Glance
| Topic | What to know | Where it stands |
|---|---|---|
| DuPage short‑term rentals | Would allow rentals under 30 days in unincorporated areas, require registration, annual inspections, a fee and limit unrelated occupants to five without a permit. | Text amendment up for county board vote; ordinance to follow if approved. |
| Naperville multifamily sale | 640‑unit, nearly 34‑acre complex sold for $136 million; financed with a loan of about $90.8 million; asking rent ~ $1,879/unit. | Completed sale; one of the largest suburban transactions this year. |
| Wheaton development | 334‑unit, seven‑story apartment project secured ~$84M construction loan plus ~$40M equity; includes ground‑floor retail and transit access. | Financing closed; construction underway; expected completion Q1 2027. |
| Emergency rental aid | Up to $25,000 per household for rent owed June 2020–Aug 2021; tenants apply with landlords; up to 15 months covered. | Applications available online; program administered by the state housing authority in partnership with the county. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Daily Herald: DuPage County looks to regulate short-term rental properties
- Wikipedia: Short-term rental
- CoStar: Apartments west of Chicago sell for $136 million
- Google Search: Naperville apartment sale $136 million 2025
- Crain’s Chicago Business: Downtown Wheaton’s Faywell apartments land financing
- Google Scholar: transit-oriented development Wheaton Faywell
- Daily Herald: Glen Ellyn cracks down on short-term rentals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: short-term rental
- Positively Naperville: DuPage County offers rental assistance program
- Google News: DuPage County rental assistance IHDA ILRPP
Author: Construction TX News
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