Frequently Asked Questions

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For Landlords

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Who is eligible to receive assistance from the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Any Illinois tenant may be eligible to receive CBRAP assistance if:

• They have a pending eviction due to nonpayment. A court-summons document will be required.

• The household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.

• The household’s total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for location.

Are there immigration status requirements for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

No, CBRAP assistance is available to all eligible renters in Illinois regardless of immigration status.

I am an out of state housing provider with a rental property in Illinois. Can I complete a joint application with my Illinois resident tenants?

Yes. If your tenant is an Illinois resident and rents the unit as their primary residence, they may be eligible for CBRAP assistance.

I own and live in a multi-unit building which is also tenant occupied. If a tenant residing in my building meets the eligibility requirements, can we submit a joint application?

Yes. Tenants may be eligible for CBRAP assistance provided they rent their own unit and are not members of the housing provider’s household.

How do I apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

The CBRAP application is a joint application between the tenant and the housing provider/ landlord. Both the tenant and the housing provider/ landlord may initiate and complete their online application by visiting www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, completing the pre-eligibility questionnaire, creating a CBRAP account, and providing the required information and documents. All CBRAP applications must be submitted online. An application will not be considered complete until both the tenant and the housing provider/ landlord complete their sections of the joint application.

For tenants or housing providers/ landlords with barriers to accessing the online application, visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org or contact IHDA’s call center at 866-IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571) to connect with a CBRAP Agent.

What information do housing providers/ landlords need to apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Housing providers/l andlords will need the following information to apply:

• Valid email addresses for the tenant and housing provider/ landlord (please be aware that once your application has been submitted, email changes are not permitted. You will be required to start a new application and your current application will be denied.)

• Rental unit information (unit type, address, rent amount)

• Grant payment information for check distribution

• Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (if payment is made to an individual)

What documentation do housing providers/ landlords need to provide when applying for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Housing providers/ landlords will need to upload the following documents during the application process:

• Evidence of past-due rent (ledger is required)

• Copy of property tax bill or monthly mortgage statement (dated within 90 days) or other proof of ownership.

• Current signed lease (if available)

• Fully executed and current property management agreement (if payment is made to a property manager)

• Eviction court documents (court case summons document)

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

A list of acceptable documents is available at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org/resources.

Does my tenant need a lease to apply?

Housing providers/ landlords and tenants must provide a current lease in their application if one is available. However, if a current lease is not available you may still apply for assistance.

Does my tenant need a Social Security Number to apply?

No. Tenants do not need to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

How much assistance can my tenant receive?

CBRAP assistance will cover up to $15,000 of emergency rental payments, including up to two months of future rent payments. Rent owed starting March 2020 may be paid for with CBRAP funds.

Is there a limit to how many applications I can submit?

There is not a limit. Housing providers/ landlords will need to apply separately for each household that has a pending eviction case.

What happens after my tenant completes their section of the application?

After the tenant completes their application, it will be matched with their housing provider's/ landlord’s corresponding application if one has been submitted and will be considered eligible for review. If the housing provider/ landlord has not yet completed their application, they will receive an email notification inviting them to create a CBRAP account and apply. Housing providers/ landlords can check to see if their tenant has completed their application by logging into their CBRAP account and viewing their status on the application dashboard.

If additional information is needed, you will be contacted by IHDA via email with further instructions.

If the housing provider/ landlord does not complete their section of the application, they will be considered unresponsive, and the tenant’s application will go through a separate review process. Those tenants may receive CBRAP funds directly and will be contacted by IHDA with further instructions.

What happens after I complete my section of the application?

After the housing provider/ landlord and the tenant have both submitted their information, the application will enter IHDA’s queue for review.

How can I check on the status of my submitted application?

Visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, enter your application ID and log into your CBRAP account.

Your status will be listed on the application dashboard.

What does my applications status mean?

Submitted waiting for Match: The application is waiting to be matched with the corresponding application for review

Ready for Review: The application is complete and ready for review

In Review: The application is currently being reviewed

Needs more info: More information is needed, please use the ADD DOCUMENT button to upload the requested documents

Ready for Supervisor Review: The application has been flagged for further review

In Final Review: The application is under final review

Quality Control: The application was selected for special review

Review-1: The application has been flagged for further review

Review-2: The application has been flagged for further review

Duplicate: The application has been flagged for possibly being a duplicate

Approved: The application was approved for funding

Denied: Your application has been denied for funding

When will I be notified if my application is approved for funding or deemed ineligible for funding?

IHDA expects extremely high demand for CBRAP assistance and will review completed applications as quickly as possible. Our goal is to notify applicants of funding eligibility within 30 to 45 days from the start of your application review.

How will I be notified if my application is approved for funding or deemed ineligible for funding?

All program communications will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. Please make sure you main access to the email accounts associated with the application throughout the entire review and approval process

Who do I contact with questions about the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

If you have any questions or if you are unsure about anything regarding your CBRAP application, please visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org. For additional information, contact the CBRAP call center at 866-IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571). Call center representatives can answer questions related to the CBRAP program and provide further assistance if needed.

What should I do if I think someone is submitting false information to IHDA in connection with the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

IHDA takes all allegations of fraud seriously. If you have reason to believe someone is providing fraudulent information in an attempt to obtain emergency rental assistance, please visit ilrpp.ihda.org/Application/ReportFraud and provide as much detail as possible so that IHDA can promptly investigate the matter. Alternatively, persons can file a complaint online with the Office of the Executive Inspector General.

When will I receive my CBRAP grant payment?

It is expected that housing providers/ landlords will receive a check for payment of rent within 10-14 days of their notification by IHDA that their rental assistance application is approved. However, it may take longer in some instances. If you do not receive your payment within 21days of the notification, you can contact SRUpayments.info@ihda.org and we will respond via email.

How can I request a copy of my application?

The request must be submitted in writing. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request can be found at https://www.ihda.org/foia/.

How can I resolve issues with logging into my portal?

Here’s how you can clear your cookies and cache:

1. Go to your browser’s settings.

2. Find the privacy or history section.

3. Select "Clear browsing data."

4. Check "Cookies" and "Cached images and files."

5. Choose the time range.

6. Confirm and clear the data.

For Tenants

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How do I report my housing provider for violating program rules?

Send an email to SRUPayments.info@ihda.org if your application has been approved but your housing provider is not adhering to the program's guidelines. Please provide your application ID and the violation in the subject line. In the body of the email, include as much information as possible.

Who is eligible to receive assistance from the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Any Tenant residing in Illinois may be eligible to receive CBRAP assistance if:

• They have a pending eviction due to nonpayment. A court-summons document will be required.

• The household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.

• The household’s total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for location.

Are there immigration status requirements for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

No, CBRAP assistance is available to all eligible renters in Illinois regardless of immigration status.

If I am NOT in an eviction proceeding, can I apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance program?

No, your application will be ineligible for review. You must be in a court eviction proceeding and provide eviction court documentation to receive assistance from CBRAP.

How do I apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

The CBRAP application is a joint application between the tenant and the housing provider/ landlord. Both the tenant and the housing provider/ landlord may initiate and complete their online application by visiting www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, completing the eligibility questionnaire, creating a CBRAP account, and providing the required information and documents. All CBRAP applications must be submitted online. An application will not be considered complete until both the tenant and the housing provider/ landlord complete their sections of the joint application.

What information do tenants need to apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Renters will need the following information to apply:

• Valid email addresses for the tenant and housing provider/ landlord (please be aware that once your application has been submitted, email changes are not permitted. You will be required to start a new application and your current application will be denied.)

• Eviction court case number

• Monthly rent and amount past due

What documentation do tenants need to provide when applying for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Renters will need to upload the following documents during the application process:

• Eviction court documents (court case summons document)

• Government-issued photo ID

• A utility bill or proof of address dated 60 days prior to the application

• Proof of current household income

• Proof of past-due rent

• Proof of public assistance (if applicable)

• Recertification of income (if applicable)

A list of acceptable documents is available at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org/resources.

Do tenants need a lease to apply?

Housing providers/ landlords and tenants must provide a current lease in their application if one is available. However, if a current lease is not available, you may still apply for assistance.

Do tenants need a Social Security Number to apply?

No, a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is not required for tenants.

What happens after I complete my section of the application?

After the tenant completes their application, it will be matched with their housing provider's/ landlord’s corresponding application if one has been submitted and will be considered eligible for review. If the housing provider/ landlord has not yet completed their application, they will receive an email notification inviting them to create a CBRAP account and apply. Tenants can check to see if their housing provider/ landlord has completed their application by logging into their CBRAP account and viewing their status on the application dashboard.

If further information is needed, you will be contacted by IHDA via email with further instructions.

If the housing provider/ landlord does not complete their section of the application, they will be considered unresponsive, and the tenant’s application will go through a separate review process. Those tenants may receive CBRAP funds directly and will be contacted by IHDA with further instructions.

How can I check on the status of my submitted application?

Visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, enter your application ID, and log into your CBRAP account. Your status will be listed on the application dashboard.

What does my application status mean?

Submitted waiting for Match: The application is waiting to be matched with the corresponding application for review

Ready for Review: The application is complete and ready for review

In Review: The application is currently being reviewed

Needs more info: More information is needed, please use the ADD DOCUMENT button to upload the requested documents

Ready for Supervisor Review: The application has been flagged for further review

In Final Review: The application is under final review

Quality Control: The application was selected for special review

Review-1: The application has been flagged for further review

Review-2: The application has been flagged for further review

Duplicate: The application has been flagged for possibly being a duplicate

Approved: The application was approved for funding

Denied: Your application has been denied for funding

When will I be notified if my application is approved or denied?

IHDA expects extremely high demand for CBRAP assistance and will review completed applications as quickly as possible. Our goal is to notify applicants of funding eligibility within 30 to 45 days from the start of your application review.

How will I be notified if my application is approved?

All program communications will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. Please make sure you maintain access to the email accounts associated with the application throughout the entire review and approval process.

Who do I contact with questions about the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

If you have any questions or if you are unsure about anything regarding your CBRAP application, please visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org. For additional information, contact the CBRAP call center at 866-IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571). Call center representatives can answer questions related to the CBRAP program and provide further assistance if needed.

I have been approved for Tenant Direct assistance, when will I receive my CBRAP grant payment?

It is expected that tenants will receive a check for payment of rent within 21 days of their notification by IHDA that their rental assistance application is approved. IHDA is administering the payment process. If you do not receive your payment within 21 days of the notification, you can contact SRUpayments.info@ihda.org and we will respond via email.

What should I do if I think someone is submitting false information to IHDA in connection with the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

IHDA takes all allegations of fraud seriously. If you have reason to believe someone is providing fraudulent information in an attempt to obtain emergency rental assistance, please visit ilrpp.ihda.org/Application/ReportFraud and provide as much detail as possible so that IHDA can promptly investigate the matter. Alternatively, persons can file a complaint online with the Office of the Executive Inspector General.

How can I request a copy of my application?

The request must be submitted in writing. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request can be found at https://www.ihda.org/foia/.

How can I resolve issues with logging into my portal?

Here's how you can clear your cookies and cache:

1. Go to your browser’s settings.

2. Find the privacy or history section.

3. Select "Clear browsing data."

4. Check "Cookies" and "Cached images and files."

5. Choose the time range.

6. Confirm and clear the data.

Understanding Eviction Process

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How can court partners help if there is no official eviction resolution program in the courthouse?

Court partners can take the following actions:

• Refer litigants to the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program as well as legal aid and mediation services:

-Suburban Cook County: www.cookcountylegalaid.org

-Outside of Suburban Cook County: evictionhelpillinois.org

• Help litigants apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance program and check the status of their applications.

• Ask for a case to be continued to allow parties to seek legal assistance and rent assistance and provide referral information for legal aid and rental assistance programs.

• Direct litigants to the statewide approved orders in eviction cases to help facilitate resolutions (e.g., Agreed Order Dismissing Eviction Case with Permission to Reinstate, Agreed order in Eviction Case (Pay & Stay), Agreed Order in Eviction Case (Defendants Agree to Move).

How does a CBRAP application impact the eviction process?

Housing providers/ landlords and tenants should inform the judge that a CBRAP application is pending, and the judge may continue the case to allow time for the application to be processed. To check the status of applications submitted with the Illinois Housing Development Authority, visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org.

How does the eviction process work in Illinois?

The eviction process involves the following steps:

1. Notice to Terminate Tenancy (eviction notice): A housing provider/ landlord must give a tenant written notice before starting an eviction case in court. This is often a five-day notice, and if the tenant pays within the five days, the housing provider/ landlord must take the money.

2. Filing an Eviction Case: If the tenant does not pay the rent within the notice period, the housing provider/ landlord can file an eviction case in court. The housing provider/ landlord will file an Eviction Complaint, which starts the case, as well as an Eviction Summons, which informs the tenant the case has been sent to eviction court. While the Complaint creates the court case, it does not mean the eviction has been approved.

3. Eviction Order Entered: A hearing will be held and once the judge has enough information, they will make a decision and enter an order. If the judge rules in favor of the housing provider/ landlord, an Eviction Order will be issued, meaning the tenant has lost the right to stay in the unit and the eviction process will proceed. The order may also require the tenant to pay any past-due rent, which may include rent accumulated during the eviction process.

4. Eviction by the Sheriff: After the judge issues an Eviction Order, the County Sheriff has the authority to remove a tenant from their home and prevent them from entering. After the Sheriff evicts a tenant, the housing provider/ landlord can remove any remaining belongings from the home. Eviction procedure changes from county to county, contact your Sheriff’s office to find out what their process is.

For what reasons can a landlord evict a tenant?

A housing provider/ landlord can evict a tenant if the tenant:

• Fails to pay rent.

• Breaks any of the rules in the lease agreement.

• Damages the property.

• Does not have a written lease, but pays rent monthly, and the housing provider/ landlord gives a notice to move.

A housing provider/ landlord cannot evict a tenant for:

• Complaining to a building inspector, fire department, health inspector, or other governmental agency about unsafe, unhealthy, or illegal living conditions.

• Not paying rent, if the tenant left the property for a period of time because of domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.

• Not paying rent, if the housing provider/ landlord accepted the rent due before the notice period ended.

• Race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, familial status, military status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or being a protected party under an order of protection.

Can housing providers/ landlords evict tenants at this time?

Yes. Governor Pritzker’s eviction moratorium expired Oct. 3, 2021. All eviction cases may be filed, and all eviction orders and judgments may be enforced.