Deep Dive: Expedited Housing Initiative

House Vulnerable Households With Rental Assistance + Support

Chicago Rents recruits and supports landlord partners to fill their units with a purpose. All Chicago partners with homeless service providers throughout Chicago on the Expedited Housing Initiative to connect landlords, people in need of homes, rental subsidies and housing support case managers. The program aims to house 1,250 households experiencing homelessness quickly by providing financial assistance and support services to ensure success. Several building owners, who are also Compact partners, are participating in this initiative. The Compact will continue to seek feedback from participants as it ramps up.

Why Should Landlords Participate?

Landlord Support

• The Chicago Rents team acts as a support system for the landlord to help resolve issues with a single point-of-contact.

Tenant Support

• The case manager connects the tenant with needed resources and support, including employment assistance, income supports, childcare, healthcare, and more.

Guaranteed Rent

• Landlords receive guaranteed, timely rent payments and security deposits.

Holding Fees

• Landlords can receive “holding fees”, a flat fee based on unit rent, to keep the units open until they are occupied by program tenants.

Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund

• Landlord partners are supported by the Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund to help offset landlord losses not covered by the security deposit, such as extreme unit damage and unit abandonment.

What is the Process for Matching Tenants to Available Units?

Identification

• Chicago Rents contacts landlord about a potential tenant. Chicago Rents does a virtual inspection and collects necessary documentation. 

Viewing and Terms

• Potential tenant views unit through a recorded, virtual viewing. Housing staff, potential tenant, and landlord discuss terms.

Lease Signing

• Landlord and tenant sign program forms and the lease using DocuSign and other technology to facilitate social distancing.

Furniture Delivery

• The Chicago Furniture Bank will coordinate with the landlord to arrange a furniture delivery prior to move-in. 

Move-In

• Chicago Rents staff will assist the tenant as they move in.

To get involved, landlords can share their available units using this survey or email Chicago Rents with any questions.