Welcome to the Chicago Flats Initiative’s resource hub, compiled by the initiative’s members for renters and property owners residing in two- to four-flats. Find information on grants, property management, legal aid, property taxes, and more below.

GENERAL RESOURCES

Budgeting

Utilize this free worksheet to create a monthly budget and learn more about fixed and variable expenses.

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Mortgage Relief Scams

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

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The CFPB provides educational tools for managing finances and debt, ensuring you are treated fairly by lenders when buying a home, and more.  

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Webinars and Workshops

Learn about the homebuying process, achieving financial security, avoiding foreclosure, and more.

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Important Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector

10 questions compiled by HUD to ensure an equitable inspection.

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GRANTS

Purchase Assistance

ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of forgivable and zero-interest loans.

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Home Repair

CITY OF CHICAGO

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

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Rental Assistance

CITY OF CHICAGO

Rental assistance for low-income tenants at risk of eviction.

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ComEd Assistance

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF CHICAGO

Up to $180 in bill credits for income-eligible ComEd customers.

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Down Payment Assistance

NHS OF CHICAGO

Up to $30,000 in down payment assistance for income-qualified buyers.

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Lead Abatement

ELEVATE

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

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Court-Based Rental Assistance

ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Up to $25,000 in assistance to cover unpaid rent for tenants and property owners with pending cases in eviction court.

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Utility Assistance

CEDA

Heating and electricity bill assistance for income-eligible households.

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Home Repair and Improvement

NHS OF CHICAGO

Up to $45,000 in home repair grants for income-qualified owners in high-priority neighborhoods.

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Building Neighborhoods and Affordable Homes

CITY OF CHICAGO

Up to $100,000 in purchase assistance for income-eligible buyers.

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Solar For All

STATE OF ILLINOIS

Free solar panel installations for properties housing renters that are below 80% AMI.

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Home Energy Savings

CHICAGO BUNGALOW ASSOCIATION

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

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Preservation Next Toolkit

Toolkit covering acquisition and rehab, green building, and property management for small multifamily property owners.

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Rental Income and Expense Worksheet

Excel sheet for property owners to track expenses and rental income.

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Property Owners Resources

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

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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.

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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.

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Chicago Rents Tenant Connect

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

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HOME REPAIR

Contractor Interview Worksheet

Questions to ask your contractor during an estimate.

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Home Maintenance Worksheet

Seasonal maintenance checklist.

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Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU)

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

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LEGAL RESOURCES

Illinois Legal Aid

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

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Metropolitan Tenants Organization

Tenants’ rights resources, including Squared Away Chicago, an online platform that helps tenants get property owners to solve home-related problems, such as safety concerns.

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Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt

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

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Center for Conflict Resolution

Mediation training and services for tenants and owners.

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Law Center for Better Housing

Free legal and supportive services for income-eligible renters.

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RENTER RESOURCES

Renter Rights Booklet

Information on the Fair Notice Ordinance, lockouts, security deposits, and the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.

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Rental Scams

Information on avoiding and reporting identity theft and unemployment scams.

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Apartments For Rent

The Chicago Bilingual Landlord Association(CBLA) connects owners of 2-4 unit properties to interested renters.

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PROPERTY TAX RESOURCES

Exemptions

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

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Appeals

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

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Certificate of Error

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

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