ARO Apartments in Chicago

A fast overview of the Affordable Requirements Ordinance — who qualifies, where the units are, and how to apply. Availability, waitlists, lotteries, and application procedures vary by property.

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New Construction

ARO units are in brand-new or recently built developments, often with luxury amenities

Varied Availability

Availability, waitlists, lotteries, and application procedures vary by property

Below-Market Rent

ARO rents are restricted based on the affordability requirements and AMI tier assigned to the unit. The rent is generally not calculated as a percentage of each individual renter's actual income.

Citywide Locations

Units available across Chicago neighborhoods, from downtown to the North and South sides

What is the ARO Program?

The Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) is a Chicago city law that requires developers to include affordable housing units when they build large residential projects that receive city assistance or zoning changes.

This means when a developer builds a new luxury apartment building with city help, they must set aside a percentage of units at below-market rents for income-qualified residents like you.

The benefit? You get access to brand-new apartments with modern amenities—gyms, rooftop decks, in-unit laundry—at rents you can actually afford.

2026 Income Limits

Your household income must be below these limits to qualify for ARO housing.

Household Size60% AMI80% AMI
1 person
$51,060$68,050
2 people
$58,320$77,800
3 people
$65,640$87,500
4 people
$72,900$97,200
5 people
$78,780$105,000
6 people
$84,600$112,800

Source: City of Chicago 2026 Income and Rent Limits. Effective May 1, 2026. Last verified: .

What is AMI? Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of all household incomes in the Chicago area. HUD updates these limits annually. 60% AMI units have lower rents than 80% AMI units.

Do You Qualify?

To qualify for an ARO apartment, you typically need to meet these requirements:

  • Be a Chicago resident (or planning to move to Chicago)
  • Meet household size requirements for the unit type
  • Have household income below 60% or 80% AMI
  • Provide proof of income, ID, and rental history
  • Pass background and credit checks (varies by property)
Check Your EligibilityView ARO Listings

Can I Use Section 8 with ARO?

Housing Choice Vouchers are a protected source of income under applicable Illinois and Chicago fair-housing laws. Whether a specific ARO unit works with a voucher may also depend on rent/payment standards, inspection requirements, program rules, and the property's application process. Confirm the specific process with the leasing office and housing authority.

When you apply to an ARO unit, ask the leasing office about its voucher process and mention your voucher status in your application.

Learn About Section 8

Ready to Apply?

Find available ARO apartments and learn the step-by-step application process.

Browse ARO ListingsOfficial ARO FAQ

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