Income-Based Apartments in Chicago
Income-based apartments in Chicago set rent according to what a household earns — typically about 30% of adjusted income — rather than a fixed market rate. These include CHA public housing developments and project-based subsidized buildings across the city.
Get alerted when a waitlist opens in Chicago
Free. We email you when a housing authority or program you selected opens its list.
About This Program in Chicago
In Chicago, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and public housing are administered by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Rent is income-based — generally about 30% of adjusted household income — whether in a CHA development or with a voucher used in private housing.
How to Apply in Chicago
Apply through CHA at thecha.org when waitlists are open; openings are often filled by lottery. Chicago and Cook County protect renters from source-of-income discrimination, so most landlords cannot refuse a Housing Choice Voucher. Call CHA at (312) 742-8500 for current waitlist status.