Voucher-Friendly Housing in Chicago

Learn about voucher housing in Chicago and get notified about new openings

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CHA

Section 8 waitlist: Closed

Public housing: Open

Last opened Oct 27, 2014 – Nov 24, 2014

No opening announced; CHA says the HCV list only accepts applicants during specific announced windows.

Official page Apply portal (312) 742-8500

Verified Nov 2, 2026 · We check this page weekly.

Get an email the day CHA reopens its list

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Voucher Housing in Nearby Zip Codes

606376065360640606156062160649Section 8 Apartments in 60610 (Near North Side, Chicago, IL)Section 8 Apartments in 60616 (Near South Side, Chicago, IL)606476062260644Section 8 Apartments in 60608 (Near West Side, Chicago, IL)Section 8 Apartments in 60612 (Near West Side, Chicago, IL)60614606206062460628Section 8 Apartments in 60617 (South Deering, Chicago, IL)6061860619606236062660607Section 8 Apartments in 60609 (South Side, Chicago, IL)606136063660651606456065760660Section 8 Apartments in 60827 (Riverdale, Chicago, IL)60605606256063060639

330 subsidized & affordable buildings

These buildings have federal rent subsidies attached to the unit — you apply to the building directly and pay about 30% of your income. Most keep their own waiting list, separate from the housing authority's voucher list.

See every subsidized property near you on HUD's Resource Locator →

About Section 8 in Chicago

CHA is one of the largest public housing authorities in the country, serving the city of Chicago. It operates traditional developments — such as Altgeld Gardens, Dearborn Homes, and Wentworth Gardens — along with mixed-income communities and the Housing Choice Voucher program. Rent in CHA public housing is income-based, set at roughly 30% of adjusted household income.

Waitlist Overview

CHA maintains waitlists for public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program. Waitlists open and close periodically depending on availability and funding, and many use a lottery when they open. Applicants can list development preferences and are contacted as units become available. Check current waitlist status directly with CHA before applying.

Source of Income Protections

Chicago protects renters from source-of-income discrimination. Under the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance and the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, most landlords may not refuse to rent to you simply because you would pay with a Housing Choice Voucher. If a landlord rejects your voucher, you may have a right to file a complaint.

How to Apply in Chicago

Apply through the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Create an application for public housing and/or the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist at thecha.org or a CHA office when waitlists are open. Rent is based on income (about 30% of adjusted household income); eligibility is generally limited to households at or below local income limits. Call CHA at (312) 742-8500 for current waitlist information.

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