2-4 Flat Eviction Prevention Program
Program Overview
The 2-4 Flat Eviction Prevention Program serves tenants currently facing a formal eviction in an owner-occupied 2-4 unit property. Funding for the program is flexible to accommodate the needs of both the tenant and homeowner. The grant may be used to cover back-rent, moving fees including security deposit and first month’s rent, a combination of the two, or another need stated by the tenant or homeowner. Through the grant and free counseling and mediation services, the program helps to stabilize both the tenant and homeowner, preserve the availability of affordable housing, and avoid a negative financial event.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Open to tenants in the south and west sides of Chicago with a priority given to Garfield and Humboldt Park
- Tenant’s rent-to-income ratio must be at or below 45%, some exceptions may be considered
- Tenant must reside within a 2-4 flat building with a landlord who occupies the property as their primary residence (single family homes with ADUs are also eligible)
- A 5 or 10 day eviction notice must be filed and the tenant must be at least two months behind on rent payments.
Income Eligibility
The Eviction Prevention program is open to tenants earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Chicago Metropolitan Area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Priority will be given to tenants earning below 80% of the Area Median Income and Seniors may have an Area Median Income up to 150%.
City of Chicago Area Median Income Chart:
Maximum eligible gross incomes are shown for household sizes in chart below.
| Number Of People In Your Household |
Maximum Allowable Income (Priority) (80% AMI) |
Maximum Allowable Income (120% AMI) |
Maximum Allowable Income (Seniors) (150% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $62,800 | $94,200 | $117,750 |
| 2 Person | $71,800 | $107,640 | $134,550 |
| 3 Person | $80,750 | $121,080 | $151,350 |
| 4 Person | $89,700 | $134,520 | $168,150 |
| 5 Person | $96,900 | $145,320 | $181,650 |
| 6 Person | $104,100 | $156,120 | $195,150 |
| 7 Person | $111,250 | $166,920 | $208,650 |
| 8 Person | $118,450 | $177,600 | $222,000 |
| 9 Person | $125,600 | $188,400 | $235,500 |
| 10 Person | $132,800 | $199,200 | $249,000 |
(Area Median Income (AMI) for the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL HUD Metro FMR Area effective April 1, 2024, per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.)
Document Requirements
- Identification- Please provide a Government ID (with picture). The following are acceptable forms of ID:
- Valid Drivers’ License
- State ID
- Matricula Consular or any Foreign Consulate ID
- Passport
- Military ID
- Tribal ID
- Household Size- Download, complete and return the attached Household Affidavit confirming your household size and income.
- Proof of Income for all household members over 18- To determine if you are income eligible, please provide income that applies below:
- Most recent year (2022 or 2023) of Federal Income Tax Returns with all schedules attached. (Illinois State Tax Returns are NOT needed) or
- Most recent year 2022 or 2023 W-2 or 1099 statements (From all employers) and
- Three most recent (past 30-days) paystubs from all employers
- 2023 Social Security award letter showing the MONTHLY amount awarded for all household members 18 years of age or older that receive Social Security income;
- 2023 Pension Statement showing the MONTHLY amount awarded for all household members 18 years of age or older that receive pension income; or
- Provide a No Income Affidavit certifying that there was no income including unemployment income for any applicable household members 18 years of age or older. Letter must be signed by the household member declaring no income; or
- Notarized letter if you do not file Federal Income Tax Returns due to being on a fixed income (i.e., on Social Security and/or a pension) for all household members 18 years of age or older. Letter must be signed by the household member declaring they do not need to file tax returns.
- Current lease or written rental agreement signed and dated by both the tenant and landlord.
- Proof of unpaid rent
- Notarized Eviction Notice from property owner or manager.
- Notice of rent past due (5-day notice, 10-day notice, 30-day notice)
- Court Summons
- Rental Statement from property owner or manager
- 5/10 day eviction notice from landlord or served eviction court paperwork.
- Proof of address
- Utility bill (gas or electric)
- Cable/Internet Bill
- Proof of owner occupancy- The following examples are all acceptable:
- Most recent property tax bill showing property tax exemption.
- Utility or phone bill with the billing address matching the property address.
- Documentation of hardship-
- Lost employment – unemployment compensation letter or termination letter
- Hours Reduced- Wage statements showing a reduction in hours and pay or letter from employer.
- Reduction in self-employment income – letter or proof the business has loss of income, financial statements.
Training Certificates Needed
- Both the tenant and homeowner will be required to complete a mediation session with the Center for Conflict Resolution.
- The tenant is required to complete NHS Chicago Financial Literacy Course
Apply Now!
Please thoroughly review General Eligibility Requirements, Income Eligibility, Documents Required, and Application Instructions before starting your application.
If you need assistance uploading documents to your account, please visit an NHS office near you, email chicagoflats@nhschicago.org (please include your name in the subject line), or call our Client Services team at 888-294-FLAT for further assistance.
