Rent and rent arrears payment is available for individuals and families that are at risk of becoming homeless. Property owners must agree to participate in the program and cannot be a relative of the applicant or live in the household of the applicant. In addition, eligible applicants must demonstrate an ability to meet rent payments after assistance has been granted – based on the applicant’s current or anticipated income.

In order to be eligible, the household must have experienced a documented crisis or emergency within the last 90 days:

Temporary loss of income

Fire or flood

Court order to vacate (foreclosure or eviction)

Domestic violence

Applications will be accepted starting

Monday July, 27, 2020 - 10:00 am through Friday, August 14, 2020 - 11:59 pm

The DFSS Rental Assistance Program obtains its funds from the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). The program is subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Please note all requirements are subject to change and this page will be updated as regulations and requirements are revised.

If you are a person living with HIV, specific resources are available for you by calling the HIV Resource Coordination Hub at 1-844-HUB-4040.

To view a tutorial on the program guidelines and how to submit an application click on the link below:

Rental Assistance Webinar

For more information on the Rental Assistance Program, please use the links below:

Rental Assistance Program FAQ'S

Rental Assistance Program Description

REQUIRED for review

To download the required application forms, please use the following links below:

Property Owner/Management Company Participation Agreement

REQUIRED for application

Property Manager Affidavit

REQUIRED for Property Managers

Property Owner/Manager – Client Payment Agreement

REQUIRED if more than 6 months rent owed

Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (IRS Form W-9)

REQUIRED for all Property Owners/Managers

For question, please call one of the Community Service Centers during business hours (please see hours and phone numbers listed below).

Englewood Community Service Center

1140 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620, 312-747-0200

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Garfield Community Service Center

10 South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-746-5400

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Center

4314 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653, 312-747-2300

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

North Area Community Service Center

845 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, 312-744-2580

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

South Chicago Community Service Center

8650 South Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, 312-747-0500

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trina Davila Community Service Center

4312 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639, 312-744-2014

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..