This report explores the state of two-to-four-unit buildings in Chicago, which represent a significant portion of the city’s overall housing stock. Two-to-four-unit buildings across the country constitute a large share of affordable house, particularly for lower-income renters and renters of color. Despite their significance, the supply of these building types is declining in Chicago due to deconversion, demolition, and foreclosure of buildings across different neighborhoods throughout the city.

Why this matters

Landlords of these building types are often mom-and-pop landlords who own and manage 10 or fewer properties. These landlords often have closer relationships with their tenants compared to larger landlords and tend to keep rental units more affordable as a result. Policies and stabilization tools that support these landlords and their tenants as home and rent prices rapidly rise will be critical to preserving the city’s affordable housing stock.

What we found

• 2-4 unit buildings constitute the largest share of any building type with monthly rents below $900.
• These building types are also primarily occupied by Black and Hispanic households.
• Black and Hispanic landlords have closer relationships with their tenants in these buildings.
• These landlords tend to set rents at more affordable prices as a result of these relationships.
• Many renters are still struggling to pay their housing costs, having little to no extra income at the end of the month after paying rental costs.