ndermines that community of responsible businesses and the consumers who depend on it,  said Ivan Capifali, commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Airbnb has not yet commented on the lawsuit.

What's next:

The city is asking a Cook County judge to impose fines, require the defendants to give up profits tied to the alleged violations and block future illegal short-term rentals.

 This action levels the playing field by holding everyone to the same standard, including the larger platforms profiting from short-term rentals,  Capifali said.  We take enforcement seriously, and we will always act to protect the integrity of the marketplace.