The Chicago Department of Housing provides a number of resources for property owners, renters, and perspective homebuyers. For more information, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh.html.

Below, you'll find information on free legal resources for tenants/landlords, housing support services, and a list of housing providers and other resources in our area and the City of Chicago.

+ Affordable Housing Search Tools

City of Chicago Affordable Rental Housing Resource List - The City's Department of Housing maintains a list of affordable rental housing opportunities that have been supported and developed through the City of Chicago. The list is intended to assist individuals looking for affordable rental housing throughout Chicago and will guide you in your search. Visit - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/renters/svcs/affordable-rental-housing-resource-list.html

IL Housing Search - If you are searching for rental housing, ILHousingSearch.org is a free resource that will allow you to search thousands of affordable, subsidized, and market rate units throughout Illinois. You can view units on area maps, look at unit photos, and use a variety of filters to look for unit features and community amenities.

Get started online at www.ILHousingSearch.org. For additional help, this service is also available through a toll-free, bilingual call center at 877-428-8844.

Housing Navigators - Organizations like Facing Forward to End Homelessness employ Housing Navigators to help residents navigate housing resources and locate housing they can afford. Visit https://www.ffchicago.org/ or contact Facing Forward at 773-265-1207 or by email at info@ffchicago.org

+ Legal Assistance for Renters & Property Owners

City of Chicago - Department of Housing - Know Your Rights: Eviction and Lockout Resources - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/renters/svcs/eviction-and-lockout-resources.html

Chicago Renters' Rights Hotline - (312) 742-7368 - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/renters/svcs/rents-rights.html

Rentervention - Chicago tenants who needs help with a housing issue like lockouts or evictions can contact Rentervention, a program of the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing. Rentervention is free and confidential. Call (312) 347-7600, visit rentervention.com or text “hi” to (866) 773-6837 to start a conversation with Renny, Rentervention’s bot.

Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing - https://www.lcbh.org/

Legal Aid Chicago - https://www.legalaidchicago.org/

Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights - https://www.clccrul.org/

Northside Community Resources - Fair Housing Program:

https://www.northsidecommunityresources.org/programs/fair-housing-initiative-program/ - 1530 W Morse Ave., Chicago, IL 60626 - (773) 338-7722, ext. 16
Fair Housing Program offers outreach, education, and legal assistance to tenants experiencing discrimination based on race, national origin, source of income/Housing Choice Voucher status, familial status, disability, and other bases on Chicago’s North Side. We investigate possible cases of housing discrimination and assist clients in filing and resolving discrimination complaints against housing providers to address violations and prevent future discrimination. We give special attention to underserved populations including immigrants, refugees, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Illinois Legal Aid - https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/

CARPLS - https://www.carpls.org/ - to talk to an attorney for free legal advice.

Center for Conflict Resolution - 312-922-6464 (x22) or visit www.ccrchicago.org or email newcase@ccrchicago.org to open a mediation case.

+ Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Waitlist

Interested in getting on the CHA's waitlist for Public Housing and Project Based Voucher program? Or, need to update your application? See below!

Who can apply? Anyone interested in Public Housing and Project Based Voucher program can apply.

Where & how to apply: All new applications can be completed online at https://applyonline.thecha.org/. Follow the on-screen instructions. You will need your: Social Security Number, Alien Registration Number, or Temporary ID Number (will be assigned), Date of Birth, and Email Address. You can select the property or property group of your choice.

When to apply: You can apply at any time.

How does CHA select applicants once a unit becomes available? CHA selects names from the waitlist based on: application date (for the unit size available) & eligible preferences (if any) – for example, homelessness.

Who can update/check application status? Anyone who already completed an application for Public Housing or Project Based Voucher program.

Where to update/check application status: All application updates can be completed online at https://applyonline.thecha.org/

When to update: You can update/check your application status at any time except if your name has been sent to a property for a housing opportunity.

What happens next? You will receive an email confirmation when you have successfully completed or updated your application. For more information, please contact CHA at 312-913-7400 or CHAOccupancy@thecha.org

For assistance in other languages, please call 312-742-8500.

+ Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund

The Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF) offers a Rental Subsidy Program (RSP) for property owners who currently rent or are interested in renting to low-income households, specifically households at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI). The rental subsidy may cover the majority of the rent for enrolled units and eligible families.

For more information, visit - https://www.clihtf.org/programs-and-initiatives/rental-subsidy-program or contact the Trust Fund directly at 312-741-1912 or info@clihtf.org

+ Here to Stay Community Land Trust

Four community-based organizations have joined forces to launch the Here to Stay Community Land Trust in Hermosa and West Logan Square. We buy properties and sell the buildings on those properties to moderate-income buyers from the community at a discounted rate, ensuring long-term affordability and extending the benefits of home ownership to a community to which they would otherwise be inaccessible. Visit https://www.heretostayclt.org/ to learn more.

+ Chicago Housing Trust

The Chicago Housing Trust, formerly known as the Chicago Community Land Trust, brings homeownership within reach for low- to moderate-income Chicagoans while ensuring long-term affordability in vibrant neighborhoods. Visit https://chicagohousingtrust.org/ to learn more.