The following factors will be considered to determine income qualification:

• The household's gross income must not exceed the unit’s AMI, as specified in the Income and Rent Limits Table (updated annually). Each ARO unit has a specific and targeted AMI.
• While there are no income minimums, the tenant's rent plus any non-optional charges cannot exceed 40% of the household’s annual gross income, ensuring compliance with the 40% rent-to-income affordability requirement 
• The Area Median Income (AMI) is used to determine income eligibility and affordability. ARO rental properties are affordable to households at various income levels, ranging from 30% of the AMI, to 40% AMI, 50% AMI, 60% AMI, 70% AMI, 80% AMI, and 100% AMI units. Currently, the majority of our ARO housing inventory offers units affordable to households earning no more than 60% of the AMI.
• The rent is based on a variety of factors that may include the bundled utility charges of the residential building.
• The ARO program accepts housing rental subsidies but does not provide support in obtaining any type of subsidy assistance. Organizations such as Chicago Housing Authority, the Housing Authority of the County of Cook and similar entities have rental subsidy programs. Applicants must reach out directly to each organization for an application.
• The tenant rent is selected by each ARO Property Management team and not by DOH. However, DOH does ensure that the selected tenant rent, non-optional charges, and subsidy (if applicable) does not exceed the City of Chicago maximum rent limits.

FAQs for ARO Applicants