What is ARO Manager?
ARO Manager is purpose-built software for property managers who operate units under Chicago's Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO). It replaces spreadsheets and inboxes with one workspace for application intake, document collection, income verification, and compliance reporting.
ARO stands for the Affordable Requirements Ordinance, a City of Chicago policy that requires developers who build or rehabilitate residential buildings with 10 or more units to either include affordable units in their development or pay into the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund. Operating those units comes with strict intake, income, and documentation requirements.
ARO Manager handles that workflow end to end, so your leasing team spends less time chasing paperwork and more time filling units — with every case record audit-ready.
Everything you need to run your ARO units
From application intake to audit-ready compliance packets, ARO Manager covers the full ARO lifecycle for your leasing team.
Application Intake
Collect ARO applications through a branded applicant portal. Every submission lands in your dashboard with full status tracking from day one.
Document Checklists
Track required documents for every applicant with automatic checklists, secure uploads, and AI-assisted verification.
Income Calculation
Verify household income against current AMI limits automatically, with the full income and rent limit tables built in.
Compliance Packets
Assemble audit-ready compliance packets for every ARO unit, with each case's full history organized for reporting.
Waitlist Management
Manage waitlists and track placements as ARO units become available, by household size and bedroom count.
Team & Messaging
Assign leasing agents, keep internal notes, and message applicants from one shared, per-organization workspace.
Everything your ARO obligations require
Every requirement the ordinance places on your leasing operation, handled in one system of record.
- Application intake with per-applicant status tracking
- Required-document checklists with AI-assisted verification
- Income verification against the current AMI limit tables
- Unit matching and waitlist management by bedroom size
- Audit-ready compliance packets for every ARO unit
- Per-organization data isolation — your cases stay yours
How it works
A clear five-step path from application intake to audit-ready compliance.
Invite applicants or share your application link
Applications arrive in your dashboard with status tracking
Applicants upload documents against your required-document checklist
Income is verified against AMI limits and documents are AI-reviewed
Match units, manage waitlists, and export audit-ready compliance packets
2026 Area Median Income & Rent Limits
Effective May 1, 2026 — Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. ARO units are generally available to households at or below 60% AMI. Maximum gross rents assume the landlord pays all utilities (effective June 1, 2026).
| Household Size | 30% AMI | 50% AMI | 60% AMI ✓ | 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,530 | $42,550 | $51,060 | $68,050 |
| 2 People | $29,160 | $48,600 | $58,320 | $77,800 |
| 3 People | $32,820 | $54,700 | $65,640 | $87,500 |
| 4 People | $36,450 | $60,750 | $72,900 | $97,200 |
| 5 People | $39,390 | $65,650 | $78,780 | $105,000 |
| 6 People | $42,300 | $70,500 | $84,600 | $112,800 |
| 7 People | $45,210 | $75,350 | $90,420 | $120,550 |
| 8 People | $48,120 | $80,200 | $96,240 | $128,350 |
Source: City of Chicago 2026 Income & Rent Limits. Income limits effective May 1, 2026; rent limits effective June 1, 2026. Gross rents assume landlord pays all utilities. Net rents vary by utility arrangement. Actual unit rents may vary.
Frequently asked questions
See ARO Manager with your own buildings
Property managers: send us a note and we'll walk you through applications, LTMC packets and annual certifications. Applicants: contact the leasing office of the building you're applying to.