Updated August 6, 2025

Resources

• SRO Preservation Initiative Information and Notice of Intent to Sell Directions 5.27.2025 
• SRO Preservation Ordinances
• News Release Nov. 12, 2014 - City Council Approves SRO Preservation Ordinance 

General Information

One of Chicago’s strengths is its diverse housing stock. Single Room Occupancy (SRO) buildings provide affordable housing opportunities essential to the quality of life for many Chicago residents. The City of Chicago, in partnership with other government and community-based organizations, supports preservation efforts of SRO properties through investment and various financing mechanisms that creates and preserves affordability for low- and moderate-income households.

In December 2014, the City of Chicago passed the Single-Room Occupancy Preservation Ordinance (City of Chicago Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 5-15) which requires notification to those who currently live in an SRO property which is being listed for sale and provides information to affordable housing development organizations to provide an opportunity to consider a preservation investment.

Notification Requirements:   

• An SRO building is defined as a building that contains five or more single-room occupancy units and in which at least 90 percent of the units are SRO units. The Ordinance requires that property owners notify tenants. Please refer to document titled SRO Preservation Initiative Information and Notice of Intent to Sell Directions 5.27.2025 for step by step instructions.
  

Partnerships to Create and Preserve Affordable Housing

The City of Chicago through DOH will receive the Notice of Intent to Sell from the property owner and will forward contact information to housing development businesses and organizations interested in the preservation of SRO properties. DOH will meet with SRO buyers and existing SRO owners to review financing opportunities that support the preservation of affordable housing.  

As a partner in City efforts to create and preserve affordable housing, The Preservation Compact serves as a link for existing owners and interested buyers to understand financing options that may be available to any preservation application. Staff are available to provide information to SRO owners about available programs and resources to preserve buildings and affordable units. Referrals will be made to funders/lenders, including U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Chicago Housing Authority, and the Community Investment Corporation/Energy Savers. 

Questions regarding SRO preservation and the SRO Preservation Ordinance can be directed to SROPreservation@cityofchicago.org