The opportunity for rental assistance has returned in Illinois, offering much-needed relief for tenants facing eviction. If you're a housing provider or a renter dealing with delinquency, it's essential to stay updated on this assistance and the processes involved. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you need to know, along with some helpful strategies for managing rent while awaiting rental aid.

Rental Assistance Program Overview

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has reopened rental assistance through its Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP). Here are the key details:

• Eligibility: Tenants must be in eviction status to qualify.

• Maximum Assistance: Up to $15,000, plus an additional $500 for court costs.

• Dismissal Requirement: Once rental assistance is accepted, landlords are required to dismiss any pending eviction cases, even if the full rent balance is not covered. This means landlords cannot take the assistance and still pursue a court-ordered payment plan for the remaining balance or continue seeking an eviction order. If the tenant defaults again, a new eviction process must be initiated.

For more information or to apply, visit the official rental assistance page here: Illinois Rental Assistance.

Wondering how to balance your rental income while waiting for assistance? Let us handle the details so you can focus on maximizing your property’s potential.

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Agreed Order Strategy: Managing Rent While Waiting for Assistance

We've developed a successful strategy that can help landlords keep tenants current on rent while waiting for rental assistance to be paid. Here's how it works:

Imagine you and your tenant are in court on October 15th, and you have both completed the rental assistance application. Since it may take several weeks (or even months) for the funding to come through, you can request that the judge enter an agreed order. This allows the tenant to continue paying rent during this waiting period, preventing the balance from growing while the application is being processed.

This strategy has proven effective in the past and is worth considering to maintain rental payments during this interim phase.

Direct-to-Process Server: New Law Effective in 2025

Starting on January 1, 2025, Illinois will implement a new law that benefits landlords during the eviction process. Instead of relying solely on the sheriff to serve eviction notices, you can now involve a process server earlier in the process. This change will:

• Reduce costs for landlords.

• Increase efficiency in moving eviction cases forward.

By skipping over the sheriff's department and involving a process server, landlords can streamline the eviction process and reduce delays.

Maximize your property’s ROI without the hassle. GC Realty & Development offers comprehensive property management services, helping you stay compliant while keeping your rentals profitable. Contact us today for a consultation |CLICK HERE!|

CBRAP Eligibility Criteria

If you're a tenant wondering if you qualify for CBRAP assistance, you may be eligible if:

• You are in the midst of a court eviction due to nonpayment of rent.

• Proof of citizenship is not required.

• Your household income is at or below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. (You can check income limits by county on the IHDA website.)

• You rent or reside in Illinois.

Required Documentation

To apply for rental assistance, both tenants and housing providers/landlords will need to provide specific documents.

Tenants:

• Government-issued photo ID.

• Proof of address (dated within the last 60 days).

• Proof of household income.

• Evidence of past-due rent.

• Eviction court complaint, summons, and court-case number (your name must be listed on the eviction document).

• Current signed lease (if available).

• Proof of public assistance (if applicable).

• Valid email addresses for both tenant and housing provider/landlord.

Housing Providers/Landlords:

• Proof of ownership.

• Proof of unpaid rent (ledger required).

• Current signed lease (if available).

• Government-issued photo ID, Certificate of Good Standing, or Articles of Incorporation.

• Fully executed and current property management agreement (if applicable).

• Eviction court complaint, summons, and court-case number.

• Valid email addresses for tenant and housing provider/landlord.

What to Expect After You Apply

The IHDA expects a high volume of applications, so processing times may vary. Typically, applicants should expect to receive notification of funding within 30 to 45 days after submitting a complete application.

This rental assistance program provides a critical lifeline for renters and housing providers dealing with the fallout of rent delinquencies and evictions. Be sure to act quickly and prepare all required documentation for a smoother process.

For additional information or to begin your application, visit Illinois Rental Assistance.

If you're looking for professional guidance in managing tenants, collecting rent, or filing evictions, GC Realty & Development is ready to assist. Don’t go through it alone, let us handle the complex processes so you can focus on growing your portfolio. Reach out to us for a consultation and take the next step toward protecting your investment! |CLICK HERE!|

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