Frequently Asked Questions

The following list contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about housing.  Many of these answers include links to portions of our web site where additional information can be found.

Questions about Housing

How do I get into public housing?

If you are age 62 or older and interested in living in one of our senior buildings, visit our Senior Housing page to browse for available units and apply. If you are interested in our family developments, we thank you for your interest, but we are currently not accepting new applications.

How do I get on the wait list for a Housing Choice Voucher?

At this time, the HCV wait list is closed.  If you did not register for the lottery between April 18 and May 15, 2008, your name was not added to the lottery and you are therefore not eligible for the waiting list or the voucher program. For more information, visit the HCV Program page.

What rules will residents have to follow to live in new mixed-income communities?

As CHA residents move into new mixed-income communities they will experience some changes in housing rules. Eligibility requirements called “site specific criteria” will be established at each site. These criteria are simply standards, rules or tests which property managers will use to assess any resident (public housing, affordable, or market-rate) interested in moving into the new development. These criteria often include a review of the applicants’ credit history, a criminal background check, drug testing, housekeeping or home visits, and an evaluation of a resident’s employment and economic self-sufficiency record. These criteria build upon the CHA’s existing admission and occupancy policies; they do not replace them. Site-specific criteria may also vary from one new community to another.

Where can I learn more about affordable housing opportunities?

Several Illinois state agencies provide detailed information about rental properties to help people find housing to best fit their needs.  Visit ilhousingsearch.org for more information or call 1.877.428.8844, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time).