Written by Chicago Affordable Housing Guide Editorial Team · Edited by Chicago Affordable Housing Guide Editorial Team · Corrections policy
Article summary
Chicago's Affordable Requirements Ordinance requires certain residential developments to provide affordable homes or contribute to an affordable housing fund. For renters, the practical effect is that income-restricted apartments appear inside otherwise market-rate buildings.
Primary source: City of Chicago — Affordable Requirements Ordinance
Why it matters to renters
- The ARO is why income-restricted apartments appear inside otherwise market-rate buildings.
- Each ARO building runs its own leasing, so renters apply property by property.
What happened
The Affordable Requirements Ordinance continues to govern how many residential developments in Chicago deliver affordable homes. The City publishes the governing rules and the annual income and rent limits that ARO units follow.
Why it matters
ARO apartments are usually leased by the individual building, not through a central city list. That single design choice is why renters have to track buildings rather than one application portal.
Who may be affected
- Renters targeting new construction downtown and on the North Side.
- Households at the AMI tiers set for each unit (see the 2026 income limits).
- Current ARO residents approaching annual income recertification.
Next steps
- Read the complete Chicago ARO program guide.
- Check how to qualify for ARO housing.
- Browse current ARO listings.
Official sources
We summarize official announcements in our own words. Confirm all dates and requirements directly with the source.
Editorial standards for this story
- Last reviewed: July 2026
- Last updated: July 12, 2026
- Written by: Chicago Affordable Housing Guide Editorial Team
- Edited by: Chicago Affordable Housing Guide Editorial Team
- Corrections policy: How we handle corrections
- Corrections: Report outdated information
Share this story
Related news
Income Limit Updates
Chicago's 2026 Income and Rent Limits Take Effect May 1: What Changed for Renters
New income and rent limits took effect May 1, 2026. Here is how to read the table, what changed, and why a higher limit does not automatically mean you now qualify.
Affordable Housing Developments
West Loop Affordable Apartments: What's Being Built and How the Units Get Filled
The West Loop and Fulton Market keep adding high-rise housing — and with it, income-restricted apartments that most renters never hear about.
CHA Updates
CHA Waitlists and Housing Choice Vouchers: How Openings Actually Work in Chicago
CHA waitlists open infrequently and close quickly. Here is how the process works, what a lottery number means, and where official status is posted.
Get Affordable Housing Updates
Receive updates when new affordable housing opportunities, waitlists, and important housing announcements are published.
We are an independent educational resource. We do not manage housing applications and never share your email with landlords, developers, or agencies. You can also email info@chicagoaffordablehousing.org directly.