What is ARO?
ARO (Affordable Rental Opportunities) is a City of Chicago rental assistance program that helps qualifying low-income individuals and families secure stable housing. Our case management services guide residents through every step of finding, applying for, and moving into affordable units.
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.
ARO units are priced at affordable rates for households earning between 60% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Our program helps residents earning at or below 60% AMI identify and access these affordable housing opportunities across the city.
Comprehensive case management services
From application to move-in, our team supports qualifying residents at every stage of the housing process.
Rental Application Assistance
We help you find and apply for ARO-designated affordable units across Chicago.
Emergency Rental Assistance
One-time or short-term help for residents facing eviction or a housing crisis.
Landlord Outreach
Our team, including AI-powered calling, contacts landlords to find available units on your behalf.
Document Preparation
We help you gather and organize all required documents for your application.
Case Management
You are assigned a dedicated case worker who guides you through every step.
Housing Placement
Once matched with a unit, we assist with move-in coordination and transition support.
Do you qualify for assistance?
Review the eligibility requirements below to determine whether you qualify for ARO housing assistance and case management services.
- Chicago resident or planning to relocate to Chicago
- Household income at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- 2026 AMI limits (60%): 1 person = $51,060 / 2 people = $58,320 / 3 people = $65,640 / 4 people = $72,900
- Must not currently own property
- Must provide valid government-issued ID
- Must provide proof of income
Find out if you qualify in 4 questions
Answer a few quick questions to see if you likely qualify for ARO rental assistance. This is a preliminary screening — not an official determination.
How it works
A clear, transparent five-step path from application to housing placement.
Submit your application and pay the one-time $199 processing fee
Upload your required documents through your secure portal
A case worker is assigned to your case within 3 business days
Our team reaches out to landlords and identifies available units
You are matched with a unit and assisted through move-in
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
Stability, restored across Chicago
"After my building was sold, I didn't know where my family would go. My case worker found us an ARO unit within a month. We finally have stability."
"The team helped me organize every document and explained everything in plain language. They treated me with dignity and respect throughout the process."
"I was facing eviction and felt hopeless. ARO connected me with a case worker who advocated for me. Today I have a lease I can afford."
Speak with a program representative
Have questions before applying? Our office is available to assist qualifying residents during regular business hours.
- Phone(708) 938-3334
- Emailgoliathinvestmentgroup@gmail.com
- Office121 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60602