What the Chicago Housing Authority does

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is the public housing agency for Chicago. It owns and manages public housing buildings, administers the Section 8 voucher program for low-income renters, and sets policy for how those programs work in the city. CHA does not run emergency rental information, homelessness services, or private landlord licensing — those are separate city departments or nonprofits. If you are looking for help with rent you cannot pay right now, CHA's Section 8 program may help if you already have a voucher, but the faster route for when ready arrears is usually the city's emergency rental information fund, which is run separately.

CHA serves roughly 40,000 households across Chicago through public housing units and Section 8 vouchers combined. The agency is independent from the city government, though the mayor appoints its board. It has its own staff, budget, and rules. Understanding which part of CHA handles your situation — or whether you need a different agency entirely — saves time when you are looking for help.

Key Takeaways

  • CHA runs two separate programs: public housing (buildings it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (payments to private landlords on your behalf).
  • To get on a CHA waiting list, you must live in Chicago, meet income limits, and complete an in-person process at a CHA office.
  • CHA waiting lists are closed most of the time; you can check the current status on the CHA website or call 312-742-8000.
  • If you are behind on rent right now, contact the city's emergency rental information program first, not CHA, because it moves faster and does not require you to be on a waiting list.
  • CHA tenants have lease rights and eviction protections under Chicago municipal code, separate from federal public housing rules.

Public housing buildings versus Section 8 vouchers

CHA owns and manages roughly 4,000 public housing units spread across Chicago neighborhoods. These are buildings where CHA is the landlord. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), and CHA covers the rest from its operating budget. Public housing has long waiting lists and strict income limits; most units go to households earning under 30 percent of the area median income.

The Section 8 voucher program is different. CHA gives you a voucher (a certificate) that you take to a private landlord. The landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and CHA pays them a portion of the rent directly. You pay the difference from your own income. Section 8 has separate waiting lists, different income rules, and more flexibility in where you can live — you are not limited to CHA-owned buildings. Both programs have long waiting lists that are frequently closed.

How to get on a CHA waiting list

To be considered for either public housing or Section 8, you must complete an process in person at a CHA office. You cannot explore online. You will need to bring proof of Chicago residency (a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency), a photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. Bring originals or certified copies — CHA will not accept photocopies for most documents.

CHA has several process centers across the city. The main office is at 60 East 42nd Street. You can call 312-742-8000 to find the location nearest you and to ask whether the waiting list is currently open. Waiting lists close when they reach a certain size and reopen periodically. There is no charge to explore, and you do not need a lawyer or representative to complete the process.

After you explore, CHA will send you a letter confirming your process and your position on the waiting list (if it is open). Keep this letter. You are responsible for updating CHA if your address, phone number, or household composition changes. If you do not respond to CHA mail or do not update your information, you can be removed from the list.

Income limits and household size rules

CHA has income limits for both public housing and Section 8, but they differ slightly. For public housing, the limit is usually around 30 percent of the area median income for your household size. For Section 8, it is typically up to 80 percent of area median income, though CHA prioritizes households below 50 percent. Area median income changes yearly and varies by household size, so the exact dollar amount is different each year.

You can find current income limits on the CHA website or by calling the office. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments or money from food stamps. If your income is above the limit when you explore, you will not be accepted. If your income rises after you are accepted, CHA will notify you and may adjust your rent or remove you from the program.

What happens after you are placed

If CHA offers you a unit or a voucher, you will have a limited time to accept or decline — usually 10 days. If you decline, you go to the back of the waiting list or are removed entirely, depending on the program. If you accept, you sign a lease (for public housing) or a lease with a private landlord (for Section 8) and move in.

As a CHA tenant or voucher holder, you have rights and responsibilities. You must pay your portion of rent on time, keep the unit in good condition, and follow lease rules. CHA must maintain the building, make repairs, and follow eviction procedures under Chicago law. If CHA tries to evict you, they must go through the courts and give you notice. You have the right to a hearing before eviction. If you believe CHA is violating your lease or your rights, you can file a complaint with CHA's grievance office or contact a legal aid organization.

When CHA is not the right answer

CHA waiting lists are closed most of the time and can have waits of several years even when open. If you need housing now, CHA is not the when ready solution. If you are behind on rent, contact the city's emergency rental information program (run by the Department of Housing) or a nonprofit like the Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing. If you are experiencing homelessness, contact the city's Department of Family and Support Services or a shelter provider. If you have a dispute with a private landlord, contact the city's Department of Housing or a tenant rights organization — CHA does not regulate private landlords.

If you are a CHA tenant with a maintenance problem or lease dispute, contact CHA's tenant services line or file a grievance with CHA directly. Do not wait for the problem to escalate. CHA has a formal grievance process, and you have the right to a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a CHA unit or voucher?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and your household size. Public housing waits can be several years. Section 8 waits are often shorter but still measured in months to years. The only way to know your position is to call CHA at 312-742-8000 after you have applied and received your confirmation letter.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists and applications. You can be on both lists simultaneously. If you are offered one before the other, you can accept and stay on the second list, or decline and remain waiting.

What if I lose my job or my income drops?

Tell CHA when ready. Your rent is based on your income, so a drop in earnings may lower what you owe. CHA will ask for proof of the change (a termination letter, new pay stub, or unemployment notice). Do not wait for CHA to find out on their own.

Can CHA evict me without going to court?

No. CHA must file an eviction case in housing court, serve you with notice, and give you time to respond. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. If you receive an eviction notice, contact a legal aid organization or the Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing when ready.

What is the difference between CHA and the city's emergency rental information?

CHA is a long-term housing program with waiting lists. Emergency rental information is a short-term fund that pays back rent you already owe, with no waiting list. If you need help now, explore for emergency rental information through the city's Department of Housing. CHA is for people looking for permanent affordable housing.