Prior to leasing an ARO rental unit, prospective applicants must be income-qualified and meet the 40% rent-to-income affordability requirement. This is determined by reviewing applicants' supporting financial documentation (outlined in procedure 2.6 of the MTSP Rules) and comparing their gross annual income to the annually updated Income and Rent Limits table. During the 30-year affordability term, the ARO units must only be leased to income-eligible tenants. 

If the applicant’s household is eligible, Property Managers/Leasing Agents are to complete the Tenant Income Certification (TIC) form for the tenant and submit it, along with the application and supporting documents, to DOH Long Term Monitoring and Compliance (LTMC) staff for review. Within 10 business days, the Property Managers/Leasing Agents will receive a tenant approval letter, a rejection letter, or an inquiry for additional information from the tenant to determine income qualifications.

Note: More details regarding the appeal process for applicants who are not income qualified, and provisions for affordable units can be found in Article 10 of the ARO Rules as well.

Once the applicant is approved, a lease must be offered to the applicant within one business day. If accepted, Property Managers/Leasing Agents must email a signed copy of the lease to LTMC staff no later than 10 business days from the approval of the tenant application.

Note: Leases of affordable units are to comply with the City of Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, and Article 10.8 of the ARO Rules highlights select laws tenants are to conform to.