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.
Mortgage Relief Scams
Learn how to avoid mortgage relief scams, review options for legal representation, and report fraud.
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.
Webinars and Workshops
Learn about the homebuying process, achieving financial security, avoiding foreclosure, and more.
Important Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector
10 questions compiled by HUD to ensure an equitable inspection.
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.
Home Repair
CITY OF CHICAGO
Up to $10,000 in roof and porch repair grants for income-eligible homeowners.
Rental Assistance
CITY OF CHICAGO
Rental assistance for low-income tenants at risk of eviction.
ComEd Assistance
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF CHICAGO
Up to $180 in bill credits for income-eligible ComEd customers.
Down Payment Assistance
NHS OF CHICAGO
Up to $30,000 in down payment assistance for income-qualified buyers.
Lead Abatement
ELEVATE
Free lead risk assessment as well as grant funding to remove lead paint hazards.
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.
Utility Assistance
CEDA
Heating and electricity bill assistance for income-eligible households.
Home Repair and Improvement
NHS OF CHICAGO
Up to $45,000 in home repair grants for income-qualified owners in high-priority neighborhoods.
Building Neighborhoods and Affordable Homes
CITY OF CHICAGO
Up to $100,000 in purchase assistance for income-eligible buyers.
Solar For All
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Free solar panel installations for properties housing renters that are below 80% AMI.
Home Energy Savings
CHICAGO BUNGALOW ASSOCIATION
Free energy assessments and recommendations for energy-saving products (single-family and two-flats only).
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Preservation Next Toolkit
Toolkit covering acquisition and rehab, green building, and property management for small multifamily property owners.
Rental Income and Expense Worksheet
Excel sheet for property owners to track expenses and rental income.
Property Owners Resources
Information for property owners on tenant screenings, lease agreements, renewals, renter rights, and more.
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 Least Template with Supporting Documents
Lease template including the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance summary and hazard statements for lead-based paint and radon.
Chicago Rents Tenant Connect
Connect to tenants utilizing housing subsidy programs, helping property owners receive guaranteed rent, fill vacant units, and access individualized support.
HOME REPAIR
Contractor Interview Worksheet
Questions to ask your contractor during an estimate.
Home Maintenance Worksheet
Seasonal maintenance checklist.
Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Guide on conversions, code compliance, permits, and budgets for the construction of basement units.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Illinois Legal Aid
Legal resources for tenants and property owners covering foreclosure, evictions, and lease agreements.
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.
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt
Hotline for evictions, defaults, lawsuits, and other legal inquiries for tenants and property owners.
Center for Conflict Resolution
Mediation training and services for tenants and owners.
Law Center for Better Housing
Free legal and supportive services for income-eligible renters.
RENTER RESOURCES
Renter Rights Booklet
Information on the Fair Notice Ordinance, lockouts, security deposits, and the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.
Rental Scams
Information on avoiding and reporting identity theft and unemployment scams.
PROPERTY TAX RESOURCES
Exemptions
Pamphlet on property tax exemption eligibility, how to apply, and details on how exemptions can impact your property tax bill.
Appeals
How to file a property assessment appeal with the Cook County Assessor’s office.
Certificate of Error
How to apply for missing property tax exemptions and submit a certificate of error.