Next Level Resources

Information to empower you during the next step of your financial journey.

Property Management

CIC Property Management Training

CIC offers best-in-industry workshops and training to help current and aspiring owner-operators grow and strengthen their business.

Chicago Rents Tenant Connect

Connect to tenants utilizing housing subsidy programs, helping property owners receive guaranteed rent, fill vacant units, and access individualized support.

Avail Illinois Rental Application Guide

Information on what property owners should and should not include in a rental application as well as free application templates.

2024 Lease Template with Supporting Documents

Lease template including the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance summary and hazard statements for lead-based paint and radon.

Property Owners Resources

Information for property owners on tenant screenings, lease agreements, renewals, renter rights, and more.

Preservation Next Toolkit

This toolkit covers acquisition and rehab, green building, and property management for small multi-family property owners.

Legal

Center for Conflict Resolution

Mediation training and services for tenants and owners to avoid eviction.

Law Center for Better Housing

Free legal and supportive services for income-eligible renters.

Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt

Hotline for evictions, defaults, lawsuits, and other legal inquiries for tenants and property owners.

Illinois Legal Aid

Legal resources for tenants and property owners covering foreclosure, evictions, and lease agreements.

Fair Housing

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on identity factors.

Just Housing Amendment

Prohibits housing discrimination based on an individual’s covered criminal history; and requires landlords considering an individual’s covered criminal history to perform an individualized assessment of an otherwise qualified individual’s criminal conviction history prior to denying them any application for housing.

Fair Notice Ordinance

The ordinance increases the amount of notice a landlord must give to non-renew or terminate a lease, or to raise a tenant’s rent. The ordinance also extends the amount of time during which a tenant may end an eviction filing against them by paying the rent they owe and their landlord’s court filing fees.

Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance

The ordinance covers most rental properties located in Chicago except units in owner-occupied buildings with six units or less; most units in hotels, motels and rooming houses; dormitories, shelters, employee’s quarters, and non-residential rental properties; and owner-occupied co-ops.

Property Taxes

Certificate of Error

How to apply for missing property tax exemptions and submit a certificate of error.

Appeals

How to file a property assessment appeal with the Cook County Assessor’s office.

Exemptions

Pamphlet on property tax exemption eligibility, how to apply, and details on how exemptions can impact your property tax bill.

Home Repair

Elevate

Free lead risk assessment as well as grant funding to remove lead paint hazards.

City of Chicago

Up to $10,000 in roof and porch repair grants for income-eligible homeowners.

Habitat for Humanity

Home maintenance tutorials and workshops.

DIY Property Repairs

Simple repairs that can be done without a professional.

Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Guide on conversions, code compliance, permits, and budgets for the construction of basement units.

Home Energy Savings

CEDA

Heating and electricity bill assistance for income-eligible households.

Chicago Bungalow Association

Free energy assessments and recommendations for energy-saving products (single-family and two-flats only).

General Resources

Mortgage Relief Scams

Learn how to avoid mortgage relief scams, review options for legal representation, and report fraud.

10 Important Homes to Ask Your Home Inspector

10 questions compiled by HUD to ensure an equitable inspection.

Homeowners

How do I develop a safe basement unit?

This manual provides you with the tools to better understand the planning, costs, and risks associated with legally building out or converting your basement into a rentable unit.

Need legal help?

Cook County Legal Aid can help you resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues.

Preparing for an appraisal?

Here’s your comprehensive guide to understanding the entire process and how to take action against low valuations.

Need utility assistance?

Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) provides utility bill and home weatherization assistance.

Homebuyers

Homebuyer counseling

Get free, personalizing counseling and coaching as you begin your homebuying journey.

Down payment grants

Neighborhood Lending Services offers up to $20,000 in down payment assistance.

How much house can I afford?

Our mortgage calculators will help you plan as you enter the market.

Renters

What are my tenant rights?

Be sure you know what’s expected of you and what you can expect in return. There are laws that spell out your rights and responsibilities.

Looking for housing?

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) offers opportunities for rental voucher housing, resources, and the innovative “choose to own” program that helps qualifed voucher holder become homeowners.

Small Landlord

Need Property Management Training?

Our Partner Community Investment Corporation (CIC) helps current and aspiring owner-operators grow and strenthen their business.

Looking for a lease template?

Domu’s free Chicago apartment lease form will help you simplify the leasing process.

Having problems with a tenant or with your landlord?

The Center for Conflict Resolution offers impartial mediators to help find a solution that works for both parties.

Business Owners

Need a small business loan or coach?

Our partner Allies for Community Business provides capital, coaching and connections for entrepreneurs.

Starting a small business?

The City of Chicago Small Business Center offers resources and information on licenses, permitting, public way use, and other resources.

Your generous support enables us to continue to make tremendous strides in advocating for working families while strengthening and stabilizing neighborhoods.