Q1: Is the application currently open for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund Rental Subsidy Program (RSP)?

A: At this time our application is closed for adding new properties to the Rental Subsidy Program. When the application opens up enrollment, information will be posted on our website.

Q2: Are the subsidies property-based, or may a tenant take a subsidy with them when they move?

A:  The subsidies are property-based.  The Trust Fund signs a contract with the landlord, and the subsidies are deposited directly into the landlord’s account (or given to the landlord as a quarterly check, if that is preferred).  A tenant may not take the subsidy with them when they move, except in very limited circumstances.

Q3: What are the limited circumstances under which a tenant might take a subsidy with them when they move?

A:  This will only be allowed where the tenant is moving because the landlord has stopped receiving Trust Fund subsidies for that tenant’s unit.  Typically, this will only occur when the Trust Fund is either temporarily or permanently ending its relationship with the landlord.  A tenant may never move while retaining the benefit of a subsidy unless they have received a letter from the Trust Fund expressly allowing them to do so, and to be eligible for such, the tenant must be in good standing on their current lease.

Q4: What are a tenant’s options when the landlord chooses not to renew the tenant’s lease?

A:  Unless the Trust Fund is ending its relationship with that landlord, the tenant may not take a subsidy with them under these circumstances.  The tenant may, however, find a different, vacant, Trust Fund subsidized unit anywhere in the City, and apply directly to that unit’s landlord for a new tenancy.  Please note that acceptance by a past landlord does not guarantee acceptance by a future landlord.  Each landlord has the right to employ his/her own selection criteria, so long as the landlord is in compliance with the law.