Find answers to common questions about shared living, referrals, property
partnerships, and our operator network.
Resident FAQ
Shared living is a housing arrangement where residents rent a room
in a fully furnished home and share common areas such as the
kitchen, living room, and bathrooms with other housemates. Harmony
Homes provides structured shared living with clear house rules,
on-site management, and a supportive environment designed to promote
stability and independence.
Yes. All Harmony Homes rooms come fully furnished with a bed,
dresser, and closet or storage space. Common areas including the
living room, dining area, and kitchen are also fully furnished and
equipped.
Utilities — including water, electricity, gas, and heat — are
typically included in monthly rent. This means one predictable
payment covers your housing costs without surprise bills. Specific
inclusions may vary by location.
Yes. High-speed Wi-Fi internet is included at all Harmony Homes
locations at no additional cost.
Yes. Private rooms are available at select locations. Private rooms
typically cost more than shared rooms. Availability varies by
location and changes frequently. Contact our placement team for
current private room availability.
Yes. Shared rooms are the most affordable option and are available
at most locations. In a shared room, you will have a roommate
assigned by Harmony Homes. All shared rooms are same-gender within
their designated household.
Yes. Applicants with employment income are welcome to apply.
Verifiable income helps demonstrate the ability to pay monthly rent
consistently.
Yes. Applicants receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are
eligible to apply. Verifiable benefit income can be used to
demonstrate the ability to pay rent.
Yes. Applicants receiving Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI) are eligible to apply. Verifiable benefit income can be used
to demonstrate the ability to pay rent.
Yes. Harmony Homes proudly welcomes veterans. As a veteran-owned
organization, we understand the unique challenges veterans face when
transitioning to civilian life. Veterans with VA benefits,
employment income, or other verifiable income are encouraged to
apply.
Applicants are typically asked to provide a valid photo ID, proof of
income (such as benefit award letters, pay stubs, or bank
statements), and contact information for verification purposes.
Please do not submit your Social Security card, medical records, or
banking passwords through standard website forms.
An application fee may be required during the application process.
The fee covers administrative processing and background screening.
Our team will inform you of any applicable fees before processing
your application.
No. Paying an application fee does not guarantee approval or reserve
a specific room. Room placement is confirmed only after your
application is approved and any required move-in payments are
completed.
Move-in timelines vary based on application completion, verification
processing, and room availability. In some cases, approved
applicants may be able to move in within a few days. Our placement
team works to make the process as fast as possible while ensuring a
proper fit.
Guest policies vary by location. Generally, brief daytime visits
from approved guests are permitted. Overnight guests are typically
not allowed or require prior approval from management. All guests
must follow house rules and respect the privacy of other residents.
Smoking is not permitted inside any Harmony Homes residence.
Designated outdoor smoking areas may be available at some locations
and must be used in accordance with house rules.
Pets are generally not permitted. Service animals or emotional
support animals may be accommodated in accordance with applicable
laws. Please discuss any animal-related needs with our placement
team before applying.
Couples may apply, but availability of accommodations suitable for
couples is limited. Most locations are designed for single-occupancy
rooms. Contact our placement team to discuss your specific
situation.
Harmony Homes locations are designed for individual adult residents.
We do not currently offer family housing or accommodations for
children. Contact our team if you need a referral to family housing
resources in the Chicagoland area.
No. Harmony Homes provides non-clinical shared-living housing. We do
not provide medical care, nursing services, or clinical treatment.
Residents are responsible for managing their own medical needs and
coordinating with their healthcare providers.
Harmony Homes does not operate a dedicated transportation service,
but transportation assistance may be available on a limited basis at
some locations. Many locations are near public transit including CTA
bus and train lines and Metra stations. Contact our team to discuss
transportation options at a specific property.
After submitting your application, our placement team will review
your information, verify documents, and conduct any necessary
screenings. You may be contacted for additional information or a
brief interview. Once approved, we will discuss available rooms that
match your needs and coordinate your move-in date.
Agency FAQ
Referrals are accepted from case managers, social workers, housing
navigators, discharge planners, and other professionals working with
qualified adults seeking shared housing. Referral organizations may
include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare
facilities, and community-based programs.
Referral submissions should include the referring professional's
name and organization, contact information, the referred
individual's name and basic housing needs, and any relevant
placement preferences. Detailed personal documents are not required
at the initial referral stage.
Yes. Agencies and organizations may sponsor or subsidize housing
costs for referred individuals. Sponsorship arrangements vary and
should be discussed directly with our partnership team to establish
terms and billing procedures.
Organizations may inquire about reserving multiple beds or
establishing an ongoing placement pipeline. Availability for bulk
reservations depends on current capacity. Contact our partnership
team to discuss organizational housing agreements.
Availability is confirmed directly by our placement team after a
referral is submitted. Current openings change frequently, and we
provide real-time availability updates to referral partners upon
request.
No. Harmony Homes does not provide case management services. We
provide housing and can coordinate with the resident's case manager
or support team. Residents are encouraged to maintain relationships
with their existing case management providers.
No. Harmony Homes is a non-clinical housing provider. We do not
offer medical, psychiatric, or therapeutic clinical services.
Residents who require clinical support should coordinate those
services through their referring agency or healthcare provider.
Yes. Referring professionals are welcome to schedule a property
tour. Tours help referral partners understand the living environment
and better determine if a Harmony Homes location is a good fit for
the individuals they serve.
Referral sources can receive placement updates upon request and with
appropriate consent from the resident. Communication frequency and
content should be established with our team at the time of referral.
Organizations can request a vendor packet by contacting our
partnership team through the Agency Referral Center page or by
calling (708) 466-7322. Vendor packets include necessary
documentation for establishing an organizational partnership and
referral pathway.
Property Owner FAQ
Harmony Homes considers single-family homes, multi-unit buildings,
and properties suitable for shared living. Properties must be
located within our service area throughout Chicagoland, meet safety
and habitability standards, and be appropriate for shared-living
arrangements.
Yes. Harmony Homes may enter into master lease agreements with
property owners. Under a master lease, Harmony Homes leases the
entire property and manages resident placement and day-to-day
operations. Terms are negotiated on a per-property basis.
Harmony Homes handles all resident intake, screening, placement, and
ongoing house management. Property owners are not responsible for
finding, screening, or managing individual residents.
Utility responsibility depends on the lease agreement. Under a
typical master lease, Harmony Homes handles all utility payments.
Specific arrangements for water, electricity, gas, internet, and
other services are negotiated as part of the property agreement.
Maintenance responsibilities are defined in the property agreement.
Day-to-day minor maintenance and upkeep is typically handled by
Harmony Homes management. Major repairs and capital improvements are
generally the property owner's responsibility unless otherwise
negotiated.
Under a master lease agreement, Harmony Homes pays consistent
monthly rent to the property owner regardless of occupancy. This
provides predictable, guaranteed income for property owners without
the risk of vacancy loss.
Properties are reviewed based on location, condition, layout
suitability for shared living, safety features, and proximity to
public transit and community resources. Harmony Homes conducts an
in-person walkthrough as part of the review process.
Yes. Harmony Homes can manage properties under a management or
master lease arrangement. This includes resident placement, ongoing
house management, maintenance coordination, and compliance with
Harmony Homes operational standards.
Harmony Homes may consider purchasing properties on a case-by-case
basis. Property owners interested in selling should contact our team
to discuss whether their property aligns with our acquisition
criteria.
Initial property review typically takes one to two weeks from
submission of complete property information. The timeline can vary
based on scheduling the in-person walkthrough and the completeness
of the information provided. Our team works to move through the
review process efficiently.
Operator FAQ
The Harmony Housing Partner Network is a curated network of
independent housing operators who share Harmony Homes' commitment to
quality, structure, and resident dignity. Network members may
receive placement opportunities, operational guidance, and access to
shared standards.
No. Membership in the Harmony Housing Partner Network does not
guarantee resident placements. Placement opportunities are
distributed based on availability, location match, operator
capacity, and quality standards. Network membership provides access
to placement opportunities but not guaranteed volume.
Yes. New operators who share Harmony Homes' values and meet baseline
operational standards are welcome to apply for network membership.
The application includes a review of your housing model, property
conditions, operational practices, and alignment with our core
values.
Operators are typically asked to provide proof of property ownership
or valid lease agreement, certificates of insurance, documentation
of habitability and safety compliance, and information about current
operational practices. Specific requirements are provided during the
application process.
Placement opportunities are distributed based on a combination of
factors including geographic match with the referred individual's
needs, operator capacity and availability, and demonstrated quality
and reliability. Operators with consistent performance and
availability may receive more placement opportunities.
Placement fee structures vary. Some network relationships may
include placement or referral fees. All fee arrangements are clearly
documented in the operator agreement before any placements occur.
Contact our team for current fee structure information.
Yes. Harmony Homes can take on full management of a property through
a master lease or management agreement. This arrangement allows
property owners or operators to transfer day-to-day management
responsibilities while ensuring the property operates under Harmony
Homes standards.
No. Operators in the Harmony Housing Partner Network remain
independent businesses. Harmony Homes does not control or own member
operators' companies. Network membership provides access to
standards, placement opportunities, and collaboration — not
ownership or operational control.
Operators who violate network standards may face consequences up to
and including removal from the network and suspension of placement
opportunities. Harmony Homes prioritizes resident safety, housing
quality, and operational integrity. Violations are reviewed on a
case-by-case basis and may result in corrective action requirements
or termination of the partnership.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you.