What the Chicago Housing Authority Section 8 program does

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Section 8 program subsidizes your rent by paying a portion directly to your landlord. You pay the difference between 30 percent of your income and the amount CHA pays. The subsidy stays with you if you move to a different unit that meets program standards, as long as you stay within CHA's jurisdiction.

CHA administers Section 8 for the city of Chicago and some surrounding areas. The program is funded by the federal government but run locally, which means the rules, wait list, and payment rates are specific to Chicago. You cannot transfer a CHA voucher to another housing authority without going through a formal portability process.

Section 8 does not provide housing directly. It gives you money to use toward rent in the private market. Your landlord must agree to participate, and the unit must pass a CHA inspection before you can move in.

Key Takeaways

  • CHA Section 8 pays your landlord a portion of rent based on the unit's size and location; you pay 30 percent of your income toward the rest.
  • The wait list for CHA Section 8 is typically closed and has tens of thousands of names; openings happen irregularly and are announced on the CHA website.
  • You must live in Chicago or CHA-served areas, have a valid lease with a participating landlord, and pass a background check to keep your voucher.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a unit and have it inspected before the voucher expires.
  • CHA inspects units for safety and habitability; landlords must make repairs if the unit fails before you can move in.

How to get on the CHA Section 8 wait list

CHA's Section 8 wait list opens and closes based on funding and demand. When it is open, you can submit an process online through the CHA website or in person at a CHA office. You will need proof of identity, proof of income or lack of income, and proof of residency in Chicago or a CHA-served area.

The wait list is not first-come, first-served. CHA uses a lottery system when the list opens, meaning your position is assigned randomly, not by process date. This means explore on the first day does not give you an advantage over someone who applies on the last day of the opening period.

Check the CHA website regularly for announcements about wait list openings. You can also call CHA's Section 8 office at (312) 742-8500 to ask whether the list is currently open. Do not rely on third-party websites to tell you when CHA opens applications; the official CHA site is the only reliable source.

What happens after you are selected from the wait list

When CHA calls your name, you will attend an orientation and submit detailed paperwork. You must provide proof of income for all household members, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and authorization for CHA to run a background check. CHA will verify your information with employers, benefits programs, and other sources.

CHA will calculate your payment amount based on your household income. If you have no income, CHA pays a larger share of the rent. If your income is above the program limit (roughly 80 percent of area median income, though this varies), you may not be found to meet income requirements. CHA will tell you the exact limit when you are selected.

After approval, CHA issues you a voucher. This is a document that shows landlords you have CHA backing for rent. The voucher is valid for a set period, usually 120 days, during which you must find a unit, sign a lease, and have it inspected. If you do not find a unit within that time, your voucher expires and you lose your place in the program.

Finding a unit and getting it inspected

Once you have a voucher, you search for an apartment on your own. The landlord must be willing to accept Section 8. Not all landlords participate; some refuse because they believe the process is slow or because they prefer to set their own rent. You can ask landlords directly whether they accept Section 8, or you can search CHA's list of participating landlords on their website.

The rent cannot exceed the CHA payment standard for that unit size and neighborhood. Payment standards vary by location within Chicago. A one-bedroom in one area might have a different payment standard than a one-bedroom in another area. CHA will tell you the payment standard for your voucher size when you receive it.

Once you and the landlord agree on a lease, you submit the lease and landlord information to CHA. CHA then schedules an inspection. The unit must pass CHA's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, which checks for working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, no lead paint hazards, and other basic safety and livability requirements. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs. You cannot move in until it passes.

Your responsibilities as a Section 8 tenant

You must pay your portion of rent on time every month. CHA pays the landlord directly, but you are responsible for the difference. If you do not pay your share, the landlord can evict you, and CHA can terminate your voucher.

You must report changes in household composition, income, or employment to CHA within 30 days. If someone moves out, your rent share may decrease. If someone moves in, it may increase. If your income changes, CHA recalculates your payment. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which you may have to repay, or termination of your voucher.

You must allow CHA to inspect the unit annually to may support it still meets HQS standards. You must also notify CHA if you move, if the landlord raises the rent, or if the lease ends. If you want to move to a different unit, you can request a new voucher, but you must follow the same process: find a unit, get a lease, and pass inspection.

What can disqualify you or end your voucher

CHA can deny you Section 8 or terminate your voucher if you have certain criminal convictions, including drug-related felonies, violent crimes, or sex offenses. The rules vary depending on when the conviction occurred and what the offense was. CHA will review your background check and tell you if you are ineligible.

You can lose your voucher if you do not pay your share of rent, if you damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear, if you violate the lease, or if you do not report required changes to CHA. You can also lose it if you move without notifying CHA or if you fail the annual inspection.

If CHA terminates your voucher, you have the right to request a hearing. You can bring evidence and witnesses to explain your side. CHA must give you written notice of the reason for termination and information about how to request a hearing.

Moving with your Section 8 voucher

If you want to move to a different unit within Chicago, you can request a new voucher from CHA. The process is similar to the initial search: you find a unit, get a lease, submit it to CHA, and have it inspected. Your voucher amount may change if you move to a different neighborhood with a different payment standard.

If you want to move outside Chicago to another city or state, you can request portability. This means CHA sends your voucher to the housing authority in the area where you are moving. That housing authority then takes over your case. The process can take several weeks, and you must have a lease signed before you port. Not all housing authorities accept ports, so you should contact the destination authority before you commit to moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the CHA Section 8 wait list?

CHA's wait list has tens of thousands of names. The exact number changes, but it typically takes several years to reach the top. When the list is open, CHA announces it on their website and through local media. You can check the CHA website or call (312) 742-8500 to learn about applications are being taken.

What if my landlord refuses to make repairs after the unit fails inspection?

If the landlord will not make repairs, you cannot move in and your voucher remains valid. You can search for a different unit. If the landlord later makes repairs and the unit passes, you can return to that lease. CHA will not force a landlord to participate, but the landlord cannot collect rent from you until the unit passes inspection.

Can I use my CHA Section 8 voucher in the suburbs?

CHA serves Chicago and some surrounding areas. If the suburb is within CHA's jurisdiction, you may be able to use your voucher there. If it is outside CHA's area, you would need to request portability to the suburban housing authority. Contact CHA to confirm whether a specific suburb is covered.

What happens if my income increases while I have Section 8?

You must report income changes to CHA within 30 days. If your income increases, your rent share will increase, meaning you pay more and CHA pays less. You will remain in the program as long as your income stays below the program limit. If your income exceeds the limit, CHA may terminate your voucher after a transition period.

Can I be evicted while I have a Section 8 voucher?

Yes. Section 8 protects you from discrimination and ensures CHA pays the landlord, but it does not prevent eviction. If you do not pay your share of rent, violate the lease, or cause damage, the landlord can file for eviction in court. If you are evicted, CHA will terminate your voucher.