Affordable Housing in Chicago
A plain-language guide to the rental subsidies, ownership assistance, and city programs that make housing affordable in Chicago — who qualifies, where to apply, and how Home Rise can walk with you through the process.
What "affordable housing" actually means in Chicago.
Housing is considered affordable when a household pays no more than 30% of its gross income on rent or mortgage plus utilities. In Chicago, most subsidized programs measure eligibility against Area Median Income (AMI), set each year by HUD for the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin metro area. Programs typically serve households earning at or below 30%, 50%, 60%, or 80% of AMI.
Extremely Low
Deepest subsidies, public housing, vouchers
Very Low
Housing Choice Vouchers, LIHTC units
Low
LIHTC tax-credit rental units
Moderate
ARO units, IHDA buyer programs
The largest source of subsidized rental housing in the city.
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
A portable rental subsidy paid directly to private landlords. You pay roughly 30% of income; the voucher covers the rest, up to a payment standard. Applications open through the CHA waitlist lottery — check thecha.org for status.
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Subsidies tied to specific buildings rather than the tenant. Apply directly to each property's separate waitlist; many open and close throughout the year, so apply to as many as you qualify for.
Public Housing
Apartments and family developments owned and managed by CHA. Rent is based on income. Application is through the CHA Public Housing waitlist when open.
Senior Housing
Dedicated CHA buildings for residents 62 and older. Separate waitlist with shorter wait times than general family housing.
Citywide resources for renters, owners, and buyers.
Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO)
Developments that receive City support must set aside a percentage of units as affordable. Income-qualified renters and buyers apply directly to participating buildings through City ARO listings.
Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
Short-term emergency rental assistance for Chicago households facing temporary hardship, administered through the Department of Family & Support Services.
Tenant Protection Ordinances
Just-cause eviction protections, source-of-income discrimination protections, and the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) — your baseline rights as a Chicago renter.
Home Repair Programs
0% interest loans and grants for income-eligible homeowners to make roof, porch, and accessibility repairs through the Department of Housing.
Refinance & Foreclosure Help
Free HUD-certified housing counseling and the Foreclosure Mediation Program for owners facing default.
Garden Lots & Land Sales
City-owned lots sold to neighbors and nonprofits at reduced cost to build, garden, or expand existing homes.
State and federal programs that make first-time buying possible.
IHDA Access Forgivable
Up to $6,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance that is forgiven over 10 years if you remain in the home.
IHDA Access Deferred
Up to $7,500 in assistance as a 0% interest second mortgage, repaid only when you sell or refinance.
IHDA Access Repayable
Up to $10,000 in assistance repaid as a low-interest second mortgage alongside your first mortgage.
FHA, VA & USDA Loans
Low-down-payment federally-insured loans that work alongside IHDA assistance — FHA from 3.5% down, VA from 0% down for eligible veterans.
Cook County Land Bank
Tax-delinquent and vacant Cook County properties sold at reduced cost to owner-occupants and community developers.
Home Rise Homebuyer Pathway
A free renter-to-owner program with credit prep, mortgage education, and up to $15,000 in supplemental down payment assistance for graduates.
How to apply, in order.
Most affordable housing programs in Chicago use lotteries and waitlists. Applying to several at once — and keeping your contact info current — is the difference between waiting forever and getting a call.
- 01
Gather documents
Photo ID for every adult, Social Security cards, last 2 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of any benefits.
- 02
Check the CHA waitlists
Visit thecha.org and apply to every open waitlist you qualify for — HCV, Public Housing, and individual Project-Based Voucher buildings.
- 03
Search ARO and LIHTC listings
Use the City of Chicago Affordable Rental Housing list and IHDA's Find a Property tool to identify income-restricted buildings with open units.
- 04
Talk to a HUD-certified counselor
Free counseling helps you understand which programs you actually qualify for and prepare a clean application.
- 05
For ownership: start the Homebuyer Pathway
Even before you're ready to buy, credit and savings work can begin. Home Rise's Pathway is free and runs in quarterly cohorts.
Common questions about affordable housing in Chicago.
What counts as affordable housing in Chicago?
Housing is affordable when a household pays no more than 30% of its gross income on rent or mortgage plus utilities. Most Chicago subsidy programs target households at or below 30%, 50%, 60%, or 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
How do I apply for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)?
Apply through CHA at thecha.org when the waitlist is open. Selection is by lottery, and placement can take years. Also apply to Project-Based Voucher building waitlists, which open and close throughout the year.
Are there down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers?
Yes. IHDA offers Access Forgivable, Access Deferred, and Access Repayable programs up to $10,000. Home Rise graduates may qualify for up to $15,000 in supplemental assistance through the Homebuyer Pathway.
What is Chicago's Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO)?
The ARO requires residential developments that receive City support or rezoning to set aside a percentage of units as affordable. Income-qualified renters and buyers apply directly to participating buildings.
Can I be denied housing because I have a voucher?
No. Chicago and Cook County prohibit source-of-income discrimination — landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you pay with a Housing Choice Voucher.
Need help navigating it all?
Home Rise's free programs walk Chicago families through the housing system — from renter rights to mortgage closing day.