Find and Apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Rentals in Illinois

If you are looking for affordable housing in Illinois, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties are a valuable resource. These apartment communities are designed to provide quality rental housing at reduced rates, with specific protections and requirements for both landlords and renters. Understanding how LIHTC works, renter rights, and the application process can help you secure a stable, affordable home.

What Are LIHTC Properties?

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program is a federal initiative, managed in Illinois by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), to encourage private developers to build or rehabilitate affordable rental housing. If you qualify by income, you may be eligible to rent an apartment at below-market rates in these properties.

• Eligibility: Tenants typically qualify if their household income is below a set percentage of the area median income (AMI), usually 50% or 60%.
• Rent Limits: Rents are restricted based on federal guidelines to stay affordable for qualified households.
• Protections: Tenants in LIHTC properties have the same rights and responsibilities as in privately-owned rentals, and sometimes additional safeguards apply.

For full details on LIHTC program rules and the latest list of participating properties in Illinois, visit the IHDA’s Renters Portal.

How to Apply for LIHTC Housing in Illinois

Finding and applying to an LIHTC property involves a few key steps. Applications are handled directly by each property’s management office, not by the state.

• Search for available LIHTC housing options on the Illinois Housing Search website or through the IHDA Renters Portal.
• Contact the property manager directly to get an application form and review eligibility requirements.
• Submit proof of income, identification, and other required documents with your application.
• Wait for confirmation or placement on the waiting list. Due to high demand, many properties have waiting lists.

Illinois LIHTC Application: Forms and Practical Example

LIHTC properties in Illinois use a standardized tenant application, provided by each property manager. This is not a state-issued form, but you can expect to fill out a “Rental Application” that asks for:

• Personal identification details
• Proof of total household income
• List of household members
• Sources of income or benefits

Example: Maria, a renter earning less than 60% of the area median income, wants to move into a LIHTC property in Chicago. She contacts the manager, receives the “Rental Application,” submits her documents, and is placed on a waiting list. When contacted, she completes additional verification paperwork and signs the lease if approved.

Some properties may also ask you to sign a Rental Application Form (sample). Be sure to request official forms directly from the property management for your chosen building.

Tenant Protections and Your Rights in LIHTC Housing

As a renter at a LIHTC property in Illinois, you have specific legal protections under state law and must comply with lease terms and program rules. Here are key points:

• Right to Non-Discrimination: Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, disability, or family status. Illinois also bans discrimination based on income source and many other factors. See the Illinois Department of Human Rights for more info.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Your landlord must keep the premises safe and habitable, following the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act and your local building codes.
• Rent Increases: In LIHTC properties, annual rent increases are limited by federal rules to keep units affordable for qualified renters.
• Evictions: Eviction from a LIHTC property must follow both federal guidelines and state law. You cannot be removed without a legal process, including written notice and a chance to respond in court.

For more on Illinois tenant protections, review the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act and the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.

How to Handle Tenant-Landlord Issues

If you have concerns about your LIHTC rental, such as unsafe conditions or disputes over rent, you can:

• Notify your property manager or landlord in writing about the issue
• Give a reasonable timeframe for repairs or response
• If concerns remain unresolved, submit a complaint to your local housing authority or the Illinois Department of Human Rights for discrimination issues
• If eviction proceedings begin, you have the right to a hearing before the county court (county Circuit Court of Illinois handles eviction cases – Circuit Court locator)

The key landlord-tenant law in Illinois is the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, which sets the rules for notices, eviction timelines, and court requirements for all residential tenancies, including LIHTC units.

Frequently Asked Questions About LIHTC Rentals in Illinois

1. How do I know if I qualify for an LIHTC property in Illinois?
   Eligibility is based on your total household income, which must be below a certain percentage of the area median income (AMI), usually 50% or 60%. Check with the property manager for specific income limits each year.
2. Where can I search for available LIHTC apartments?
   Use the Illinois Housing Search site or contact the IHDA Renters Portal to find listings by location and eligibility.
3. Are my rights different in an LIHTC property compared to other rentals?
   You have most of the same legal protections as in private rentals under Illinois law, plus rent caps and anti-discrimination rules related to the LIHTC program.
4. What happens if my income changes while I live in an LIHTC unit?
   If your income rises above program limits, you may not be immediately required to move, but you must report income changes to your landlord. There may be special rules (“next available unit rule”) that apply; ask your property manager for details.
5. Who handles disputes, evictions, or tenant complaints for LIHTC properties?
   The Illinois Circuit Court is the main tribunal for eviction or dispute cases; local housing agencies and the Illinois Department of Human Rights handle discrimination and repair complaints.

Key Takeaways for Illinois Renters in LIHTC Housing

• LIHTC properties offer reduced rents to income-qualified renters in Illinois.
• Your rights are protected under state tenant law and federal housing rules.
• Always apply or communicate directly with the property manager, and keep records of all forms and correspondence.

Knowing your options and rights helps you find safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) – State agency for housing support, applications, and program information
• Illinois Housing Search – Find available affordable rentals by county/city
• Illinois Department of Human Rights – Discrimination complaints and fair housing advocacy
• Illinois Circuit Courts – Handles all landlord-tenant dispute and eviction cases
• Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (Main tenancy law)
• Illinois Department on Aging: Housing Resources

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1. Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
2. Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act
3. Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act
4. Illinois Security Deposit Return Act
5. Illinois Department of Human Rights
6. Illinois Circuit Courts – Eviction Information
7. Illinois Housing Search (Official Listings)

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