Harvey, Ill., Mun. Code title 17 § 17-48-010
License to operate single- and multi-family rental structures (Harvey Residential Landlord and Tenant Rights Regulations)
Operative Text
A. License Required. 1. It is unlawful for any person to operate, maintain, or offer to rent within the city, a single-family or multi-family rental structure whether vacant or not, without first obtaining a license as provided in this chapter. The license shall be issued only to an "inspection group," as defined in this chapter. 2. It is unlawful for a person to enter into a lease, either as lessor or lessee, for a rental structure if the premise is posted as being unlicensed or having a revoked license. 3. It is unlawful for any person to occupy, renew a lease, offer for rent or permit occupancy of any vacant dwelling unit or any dwelling unit that becomes vacant in an inspection group that is unlicensed or while a license is under revocation. 4. These licensing requirements shall not apply to the following structures: a. Hotels and motels with rent rooms to occupants to typically make use of the facilities for a period of less than thirty (30) days; b. Nursing homes, retirement centers and rest homes, which are subject to licensing and inspection by the state or federal government. 5. A license for a rental structure cannot be transferred to another rental structure or a succeeding owner. B. License Application. 1. Each applicant for a license to maintain a rental structure shall file a written application with the department of planning detailing but not limited to, the full legal name and address of the owner, address of the rental structure, and number of units within the structure. In the case of an owner who is not a resident of the city then either: a. The name, address and phone number of an agent within the city with authority to accept service or notice of a violation must be provided; or b. A statement by the owner that service by regular mail upon the owner at the address stated in the application will be considered sufficient service for all purposes. 2. All license fees shall be due and payable on or before June 1st of each year. All licenses shall expire on May 31st of the following year of issuance. 3. Each license application shall be accompanied by a fee, which is as laid out in Chapter 3-01 , Fees, Fines, Insurance and Guarantee Requirements. 4. If an application for a renewal of an existing license is received after June 1st the fee shall be as laid out in Chapter 3-01 , Fees, Fines, Insurance and Guarantee Requirements. 5. Whenever there is a change in the ownership of a multi-family rental structure or a change in the owner's property agent, the owners shall, within fifteen (15) days of such change, file a written notice with the department of planning indicating such change. 6. Application for license renewal shall be made in the same manner as a new application except that the application shall state that it is for renewal. 7. Prior to licensing, all landlords will be required to attend a crime-free housing course facilitated by the police, fire and planning departments. This class will review the following: a. Tenant screening process; b. Property maintenance code; c. Inspections process; d. How to make your environment safe and free of crime; e. Fire safety. ( Ord. 3122 § 1 (part), 2004 ; Ord. 3494 § 2(B), 2024 )
Section 17-48-010 of Harvey's Municipal Code requires that any single-family or multi-family rental structure in the city be licensed before it is operated, maintained, or offered for rent. It is unlawful for either party to enter into, renew, or occupy a lease on a property that is unlicensed or has had its license revoked. Licenses are tied to a specific property and owner, cannot be transferred, and must be renewed annually by June 1st, with certain properties such as hotels, motels, and state-licensed nursing homes exempt from these requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 17-48-010, property owners in Harvey must obtain a rental structure license through the Department of Planning before renting or even offering a unit for rent, whether the unit is vacant or occupied. Compliant operators file a written application with complete ownership and property details, pay the applicable fee by June 1st each year, notify the department within 15 days of any ownership or agent change, and complete the required crime-free housing course before a license is issued. Non-resident owners must also designate a local agent authorized to accept service of violations or provide written consent for service by mail.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 17-48-010 establishes that it is unlawful for a landlord to rent or allow occupancy of a unit in an unlicensed or license-revoked property, which means tenants have a basis to raise an unlicensed-premises issue if a property is posted as unlicensed. Tenants who discover their unit or building lacks a valid license may consider contacting Harvey's Department of Planning to verify the property's license status. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Harvey's municipal code can help residents understand what options may be available when a landlord is operating in violation of § 17-48-010.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
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