About Chicago ARO Apartment Listings
The listings above show apartments built under Chicago's Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) — a city policy that requires developers of larger residential projects to set aside a portion of their units as income-restricted housing. In practice that means you can rent a brand-new apartment in a market-rate luxury building for hundreds of dollars below the going neighborhood rate, often with the same amenities as full-price tenants. ARO units are scattered across dozens of neighborhoods and managed by individual property owners, not by a central city office.
How to apply for an ARO apartment
Every ARO building handles its own leasing, so you'll apply directly to each property. The process is similar to applying for any market-rate apartment, with one extra step: income verification. Most properties will ask for two recent pay stubs, your most recent tax return, a government-issued ID, and a rental history reference. Credit and background screening criteria are set by each property — ask for them in writing. For the full document list, see our ARO application document checklist, and walk through the end-to-end process in our step-by-step application guide.
Understanding AMI and the 60% / 80% tiers
Each listing shows an AMI percentage — for example "60% AMI" or "80% AMI." AMI stands for Area Median Income, a federal HUD figure that represents the middle household income for the Chicago metro area. Each property sets the AMI tier for its units. Under the 2026 limits, a one-person household at 60% AMI earns under $51,060, and at 80% AMI under $68,050; limits rise with household size. To match your household to a specific tier, use our 2026 Chicago income limits chart or read the full ARO qualification guide.
Neighborhood guidance
Use the neighborhood filter above to compare properties recorded in the City dataset by community area, and use the official City map for a visual view of those records. The dataset does not establish current availability, wait times, apartment size, or unit features, so confirm those details directly with each property.
Application tips that actually move the needle
- Apply to multiple buildings. You may apply to more than one property because each building manages its own application process. Keep track of separate fees, deadlines, and document requests.
- Have your documents ready before you start. Pay stubs, tax returns, photo ID, and a rental reference should be in a single folder so you can submit within hours of seeing a listing.
- Respond quickly. Ask each property how long you have to respond to an offer or document request, and meet that deadline.
- Ask about lottery vs. waitlist. Ask whether the property uses a housing lottery a waitlist, or rolling applications — practices vary by property.
- Be honest on income. Buildings verify everything. Reporting income that's too low or too high will disqualify your application.
- Don't ignore inspections. Some buildings will inspect your current residence as part of screening. Keep it tidy during your search.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for an ARO apartment in Chicago?
Contact the building's leasing office directly. Each ARO property manages its own waitlist and applications — there is no central city application. You'll typically submit an application, pay any required screening fee, and provide income documentation such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a photo ID.
What income do I need to qualify for ARO housing?
Each property lists the AMI tier for its units. Under the 2026 limits, a one-person household at 60% AMI must earn at or under$51,060, and at 80% AMI at or under $68,050. Limits scale with household size — see the full income limits chart.
Are these ARO listings updated in real time?
No. This page shows a dated snapshot of the City of Chicago's Affordable Rental Housing Developments dataset and requests the latest copy when it opens, but the City updates that dataset on its own schedule. It lists properties, not vacant units — always confirm availability directly with the property.
Do ARO buildings have waitlists?
Some do and some don't. Unlike Section 8 or CHA public housing, ARO buildings each manage their own process — a waitlist, an interest list, a lottery, or rolling applications. Ask each property which it uses and how long its current wait is.
Can I apply to multiple ARO buildings at once?
Yes. Each building accepts its own applications, so you can apply to more than one. Watch for separate application fees and keep track of each property's deadlines.
Income limits and eligibility figures are estimates; confirm current numbers with the official housing authority before applying.