Department Of Housing Announces Updates to Tenant Opportunity To Purchase (TOPA) Program

The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) announced updates to the Northwest Side Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOPA) Pilot Program rules and forms, improving clarity, access, and streamlined administration for tenants and property owners, as the City marks one year since the program's initial implementation.

TOPA grants tenants in residential properties the right of first refusal, giving them the first opportunity to organize and purchase their building when it is offered for sale. This process helps to prevent displacement, preserve affordable housing, and create pathways to homeownership.

These updates reflect feedback from tenants, property owners, and community partners and are intended to make the TOPA process easier to navigate while maintaining existing tenant protections. Tenant rights, timelines, and core program requirements remain unchanged, and the Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 5-10 remains the same.

"We are continually working to improve our processes so that policies are easier to understand and follow for homeowners, residents, and realtors alike," said Lissette Castañeda, DOH Commissioner. "Increasing clarity and expanding language access are important steps, and we will continue working with tenants and community leaders to strengthen the program as it evolves."

Key Updates Include:

• Clearer forms and instructions: Forms have been revised and reorganized to improve usability and understanding.

• New online submission portal: All required documentation must be submitted through a centralized online portal. Email submissions will no longer be accepted after May 6, 2026

• Expanded language access: Required notices must be provided in English and Spanish, with additional frequently spoken languages available on the TOPA website. Tenants may request notices and forms be delivered in their preferred language.
• Updated Notice of Intent to Sell: The notice has been revised and separated into distinct forms, including a required Owner Declaration of Intent to Sell that must be signed and notarized by the property owner. The waiver of the right of first refusal has been removed from the Notice of Intent to Sell and is now included only on the Notice of Third-Party Purchase Agreement form.

"Since the Northwest Side TOPA Pilot Program launched just over a year ago, tenants have shown strong interest in using this right to stay in their communities and become homeowners," said Alderman Anthony Quezada, 35th Ward. "Over the past year, we've worked with the Department of Housing and community partners to improve program rules, simplify forms, and streamline the process for tenants and property owners alike. We look forward to continuing to build on that work in the next four years of the pilot program so more working-class residents have a real path to homeownership in their neighborhoods."

The updated TOPA rules and forms took effect April 6, 2026. Residents, property owners, and community partners can access updated materials and learn more at www.chicago.gov/topa or by contacting [email protected].