A room-by-room walkthrough of repairs guests notice, plus Illinois smoke and CO alarm rules and why you should check village rules first.
Walk the house the way a guest would: arrive, unlock the door, find a light switch, use the bathroom, sleep. Fix whatever sticks, wobbles, drips or goes dark. Check alarms. If you plan to rent short-term, confirm your village's rules first, because they differ by town. Plumbing, electrical and roofing repairs go to licensed independent contractors.
Can I rent my North Shore house short-term at all?
That depends on the village. We are not lawyers and this guide gives no legal advice. Check the zoning and rental pages of your village or city, or call village hall, before listing. Highland Park, Winnetka, Lake Forest, Glencoe, Kenilworth and Barrington Hills each have their own codes. Insurance, taxes and platform rules are separate questions for your insurer and advisor.
What do Illinois alarm laws require?
Two Illinois laws apply to homes in general, including those used for rent:
- Smoke alarms. The Office of the State Fire Marshal says all dwellings have been required to have smoke alarms since 1988, and that since January 1, 2023, any new smoke alarm installed in a single or multi-family home must have a 10-year sealed battery. Older alarms may stay until they pass 10 years from manufacture, fail testing or malfunction. Homes built after 1988 with hardwired alarms and homes with certain wireless integrated alarms are exempt.
- Carbon monoxide alarms. Illinois' Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (Public Act 94-0741) requires an approved CO alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping in each dwelling unit, according to the summary of the law we reviewed. Read the Act itself for exact wording.
The CPSC also says to check smoke alarms monthly, per its childproofing guide. A handyman can replace a plug-in or battery alarm. Hardwired alarms are electrical work.
What should you check at the entry?
- Locks and keys. Deadbolt that throws smoothly, strike plates that line up, a spare key that works.
- Door and threshold. Doors that stick in humid weather or drag on the floor. Torn weatherstripping.
- Lighting. Porch light, house numbers lit and readable, a step light if the path is dark.
- Steps and rails. Loose rails and uneven steps are the first things a visitor trips on. The CDC's Check for Safety checklist lists fixing loose or uneven steps and loose handrails.
What do guests notice in the bathroom and kitchen?
- Running toilets, dripping faucets and slow drains (flagged to a licensed plumber if they involve pipe repair; a handyman can swap a flapper or tighten a loose faucet)
- Cracked caulk at tubs, sinks and backsplashes
- Loose towel bars and toilet paper holders
- Cabinet doors that hang crooked or drawers that fall off the track
- Burned-out or flickering bulbs
- A fan that rattles or does not move air
What about bedrooms and living areas?
- Doors that latch and lock for privacy
- Window locks that work, screens that are intact, blinds that raise and lower
- Cordless blinds if children may visit; the CPSC recommends cordless window coverings in homes with young children
- Furniture that wobbles, and tall dressers or bookcases anchored to the wall. See our guide to anchoring furniture
- Nail pops, scuffs, dings and loose trim
What about outside?
- Gutters that hang or leak
- Loose railings on porches and decks
- Gates that sag or do not latch
- Burned-out path lights and cracked walkway pavers
How should you order the work?
1. Safety and alarms
2. Water: leaks and drains, via a licensed plumber when needed
3. Doors, locks, windows
4. Lighting and bulbs
5. Small cosmetic fixes
6. A final walk with your phone camera, as a guest
This matches the approach in our punch list guide. If the property sits empty between stays, see the second-home maintenance checklist.
FAQ
Do I need a license to host?
That is a village and state question. We cannot answer it. Check your municipality's pages and talk to an attorney or your insurer.
Do all my smoke alarms need to be replaced?
Not necessarily. The State Fire Marshal says older alarms may stay until they exceed 10 years from manufacture, fail testing or malfunction. New installs must be 10-year sealed units.
Can you swap a hardwired smoke alarm?
Hardwired alarms involve wiring, and wiring goes to a licensed electrician.
How soon can you get here before guests arrive?
Call with your date. We will tell you honestly what fits.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
