Rental Resources

Finding housing can feel overwhelming, especially when listings change quickly or affordable units are limited. This page is meant to help connect individuals and families with rental listings, affordable housing resources, and tools that may make the search easier.

Start Your Rental Search

There is no single website that lists every available rental. Most people have the best luck checking multiple sites daily. If you have transportation and the ability to do so, it can also help to drive or walk around neighborhoods looking for “For Rent” signs, apartment complexes, or privately owned rental properties that may not be listed online.

• Zillow Rentals
• Apartment Mart of Springfield
• Zumper Rentals in Springfield
• Facebook Marketplace Property Rentals
• HotPads Springfield Rentals
• Apartments.com Springfield Rentals
• Redfin Springfield Rentals

Property Management Companies

Many rentals in Springfield are managed through property management companies rather than individual landlords. Checking these websites directly can help you find apartments, duplexes, townhomes, and houses that may not appear on major rental search websites.

Affordable & Income-Based Housing

Affordable housing options often have waiting lists. It is important to apply to multiple properties whenever possible.

Springfield Housing Authority (SHA)

The Springfield Housing Authority manages public housing and affordable housing programs in the area. To view available housing location and properties, visit the SHA Properties Page.

Programs may include:

• Public Housing
• Affordable Apartment Communities
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Information
• Senior housing options
• Family housing options

Additional Affordable Housing Search Tools

• IllinoisHousingSearch.org - A free housing locator that allows users to search for affordable and subsidized rentals across Illinois.
• HUD Affordable Apartment Search - Search for HUD-assisted and subsidized apartment communities. 

Tips for Finding a Rental

Check Listings Daily

Affordable units can fill quickly. Many landlords remove listings within days or even hours.

Expand Your Search Area

Looking outside your preferred neighborhood may increase available options and lower rent costs.

Have Documents Ready

Landlords often ask for:

• Photo ID
• Proof of income
• Social Security numbers
• Rental history
• References
• Background checks
• Pay stubs or award letters

Having these ready can help you apply faster.

Ask About Utilities

A lower rent may not always mean lower monthly costs. Ask whether utilities are included:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water
• Trash
• Internet

Be Careful with Application Fees

Some landlords charge application fees per adult applicant. Ask questions before paying.

Watch Out for Rental Scams

Scammers commonly target people searching for housing online, especially on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Zillow.

Common Warning Signs

• The rent is far below normal market prices
• The “landlord” refuses to meet in person
• You are pressured to act immediately
• They ask for deposits before a showing
• You are offered a viewing without landlord present
• Poor grammar or copied listings
• Requests for payment through gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, or wire transfers

Protect Yourself

Never:

• Send money before seeing the unit in person
• Pay deposits without a signed lease
• Give out personal information too quickly
• Trust excuses about why a unit cannot be shown

Always:

• Meet the landlord or property manager
• Verify ownership when possible
• Tour the property in person
• Read the lease carefully before signing
• Bring someone with you if possible

If something feels off or “too good to be true,” it probably is.

Need Additional Housing Assistance?

Some programs may be able to help depending on funding availability and eligibility requirements.

Potential assistance may include:

• Security deposit assistance
• Rental assistance
• Utility assistance
• Homelessness prevention programs
• Shelter referrals
• Housing navigation support

For local housing assistance resources, contact the Housing Helpline at (217) 803-5235.

Legal Housing Assistance

Housing laws can be confusing, especially when dealing with evictions, unsafe living conditions, lease disputes, discrimination, lockouts, or problems with landlords. Free or low-cost legal assistance may be available depending on your situation and income.

Eviction Help Illinois

Can connect Illinois renters with free legal aid, mediation services, eviction information, and housing-related resources. Assistance may include legal representation, help understanding eviction notices and court paperwork, rental assistance referrals, and landlord-tenant dispute support for eligible households. To learn more, go to evictionhelpillinois.org

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to eligible individuals and families across Central and Southern Illinois.

They may be able to assist with:

• Eviction and landlord/tenant issues
• Housing discrimination
• Unsafe or unlivable housing conditions
• Lockouts or utility shutoffs
• Lease disputes
• Public housing and Section 8 issues
• Orders of protection and family law matters
• Benefits and income-related legal issues

To apply for legal services, please call:

Legal Advice and Referral Center
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 9 am to 4 pm
Friday: 9 am to 1:30 pm
Toll Free: (877) 342-7891

Eviction & Fresh Start Project Hotline
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 am to 4 pm
Toll Free: (855) 601-9474

Or apply online at: www.illinoislegalaid.org

If you are facing an eviction court date or urgent housing issue, contact legal assistance as soon as possible.