Here's what Park Forest requires of investors buying, rehabbing, and renting there, taken from the village's own website and forms, and how we fit in.
Park Forest at a glance
| Inspection before a sale | Change of Occupancy Inspection (source) |
|---|---|
| Inspection fee and timing | $100 for one unit, $50 per unit in multi-unit buildings; first reinspection free; apply 7 days to 3 months before occupancy (source) |
| Open violations at closing | Inspection gates occupancy, not closing: the buyer can take responsibility for violations, but the property can’t be occupied until it passes (source) |
| Rentals | Certificate of occupancy required each calendar year and at each new occupancy ($100 / $50 per unit) (source) |
| Contractor registration | General $150, sub $50; $10,000 surety bond; $1M general liability (source) |
Checked against Park Forest's own website and forms on 2026-09-22. Rules and fees change; confirm with the village before you rely on them.
Close first, occupy after it passes
Park Forest requires a certificate of occupancy for every new occupant, including after a sale, under Sec. 18-255 of its code. A buyer can take responsibility for the violations, but the property can't be occupied until it passes inspection. For a flip or a rental, the rehab has to clear inspection before a buyer or tenant moves in.
Contractors must be village-licensed
The village's violation waiver requires any contractor performing work or providing certifications to be licensed with Park Forest, and contractors post a surety bond and carry liability insurance.
Renting it out
Rental units need a certificate of occupancy each calendar year and at each new occupancy.
What else to plan for
Property taxes after the rehab. Cook County is reassessing the south and west suburbs in 2026, and the Assessor reviews municipal building permits to decide whether work is likely to change a property's value. Build a post-rehab tax estimate into your numbers.
Contractors register with the village. Park Forest requires contractors to register or be licensed before pulling permits. We handle the village's contractor requirements and permits as part of the job.
How we help in Park Forest
- Before you buy: send Mason the address and the inspection report. We'll talk through what can be scoped and permitted before you close.
- Violation repairs: we scope the village's violation list, pull the permits, and complete the repairs for reinspection. Point-of-sale repairs.
- The full rehab: flips, BRRRR, and rentals, paid through weekly labor draws credited toward your project total. See pricing.