Eviction-Friendly Apartments in Chicago, IL
Last updated:
Renting After an Eviction in Chicago
Chicago is one of the best cities in the country for renters with eviction histories, thanks to Illinois' strong tenant protections. The state allows eviction record sealing, Chicago has robust source-of-income protections, and the city's Just Housing Ordinance limits how landlords can use eviction and criminal records in screening. Combined with a massive and diverse rental market, Chicago offers genuine second chances.
Illinois Eviction Record Laws
- Eviction Record Sealing
- Available. Illinois allows sealing of eviction records when the case was decided in favor of the tenant, was dismissed, or resulted in a sealed order. The Illinois eviction record sealing law (effective 2024) provides broader protections for tenants.
- Screening Lookback Period
- Under Chicago's Just Housing Ordinance, landlords are limited in how far back they can look at eviction records. Most screening is limited to the past 3 years for covered properties.
- Tenant Screening Restrictions
- Chicago's Just Housing Ordinance restricts landlords from considering eviction records older than 3 years, limits use of criminal records, and prohibits source-of-income discrimination. Illinois also has statewide source-of-income protections.
Housing Options in Chicago After an Eviction
Likelihood indicates how likely each option is to accept applicants with eviction records.
| Type | Description | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Private individual landlords | Chicago's vast stock of two-flats, three-flats, and greystones provides thousands of units managed by individual owners who often screen based on personal interaction. | high |
| LIHTC / tax credit apartments | Chicago has hundreds of affordable housing developments with income-based eligibility and screening criteria that must comply with the Just Housing Ordinance. | moderate |
| Second-chance apartment programs | Several Chicago management companies and nonprofits operate second-chance leasing programs, often targeting specific neighborhoods. | moderate |
| Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) | CHA operates public housing and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program. Applications are reviewed individually with consideration of circumstances. | low |
| Supportive and transitional housing | All Chicago, Thresholds, and Heartland Alliance operate supportive and transitional housing programs with case management services. | moderate |
| Room rentals and shared housing | Chicago's diverse neighborhoods offer abundant room rental opportunities with minimal formal screening requirements. | high |
Strategies for Renting with an Eviction in Chicago
- 1.
Know your rights under the Just Housing Ordinance
Chicago's ordinance limits how landlords can use eviction records and criminal history. Landlords with 4+ units generally cannot deny you for evictions older than 3 years.
- 2.
Petition to seal your eviction record
Illinois allows sealing of eviction records in certain cases. Contact Legal Aid Chicago or the Metropolitan Tenants Organization to check eligibility.
- 3.
Target South and West Side neighborhoods
Neighborhoods like Austin, Englewood, Lawndale, Chatham, and Auburn Gresham have abundant private landlords who often screen informally.
- 4.
Use source-of-income protections
Chicago law prohibits landlords from refusing your Housing Choice Voucher. Report violations to the Commission on Human Relations.
- 5.
Work with housing navigation programs
The Chicago Housing Authority's Mobility Program and organizations like All Chicago connect tenants with willing landlords.
- 6.
Prepare thorough documentation
Compile proof of income, bank statements, references, and a personal statement. Even with strong legal protections, a strong application helps.
Local Housing Resources in Chicago
Organizations that can help you find housing after an eviction.
Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)
Housing Authority
Manages public housing and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program for the City of Chicago.
Legal Aid Chicago
Legal Aid
Provides free legal services including eviction defense, record sealing assistance, and tenant rights advocacy for low-income Chicagoans.
Metropolitan Tenants Organization
Tenant Rights
Provides tenant rights education, organizing support, and assistance understanding Chicago's Just Housing Ordinance.
All Chicago
Housing Navigation
Coordinates Chicago's homeless services system and helps connect individuals with housing opportunities and rapid rehousing programs.
Illinois 211
Helpline
Dial 211 for referrals to housing, rental assistance, emergency shelter, and other resources throughout Illinois.
Tips for Renting with an Eviction in Chicago
- 1.Learn Chicago's Just Housing Ordinance — it significantly limits how landlords can use eviction and criminal records in screening.
- 2.Contact Legal Aid Chicago to check if your eviction record qualifies for sealing under Illinois law.
- 3.If a landlord refuses your Housing Choice Voucher, file a complaint with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.
- 4.Two-flats and three-flats on the South and West Sides offer the most flexible landlord relationships.
- 5.Chicago has a citywide right to counsel for evictions — if you're facing a new eviction, contact Legal Aid Chicago immediately.
- 6.Keep a copy of the Just Housing Ordinance handy when applying for apartments — some landlords may not be aware of the law.
- 7.The Metropolitan Tenants Organization offers free workshops on tenant rights that can help you navigate the application process.
- 8.Consider neighborhoods like Rogers Park, Uptown, and Edgewater on the North Side for more affordable rents with good transit access.
Average Rent in Chicago
$1,600
/month (1BR)
$1,950
/month (2BR)
With subsidized housing (LIHTC or Section 8), you typically pay 30% of your adjusted gross income — often significantly less than market rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an apartment in Chicago with an eviction on my record?
How long does an eviction stay on my record in Illinois?
What is Chicago's Just Housing Ordinance?
Can I seal my eviction record in Illinois?
Does Chicago have source-of-income protections?
Where can I find free legal help for eviction issues in Chicago?
Related Resources
- Second Chance Apartments in Chicago, ILFull housing guide
- Eviction-Friendly Apartments GuideNational guide with state sealing laws
- Housing HubAll housing resources
Related Resources on This Site
More for your state
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Chicago, IL
- ExpungementIllinois expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Illinois
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Illinois
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Illinois
- ProbationProbation & parole in Illinois
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Illinois
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Illinois
Helpful guides
- RecoveryOnline recovery meetings
- Banking & CreditSecond chance bank accounts
- EducationTrade schools for felons
- Food & BenefitsEBT card guide