Did you know HCV Owner Portal users can now use Text Messaging to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on their account? No need to download an Authenticator App!

To set up this new feature:

1. Log in to your HCV Owner Portal account by visiting chahcvportal.org.
2. Once you’re logged in, you will automatically be taken to the Two-Factor Authentication screen. Select ‘Configure Text Messaging.’
   Note: If you've already set up 2FA using an Authenticator App, you'll need to disable it in order to switch to Text Messaging.
3. Enter your cell phone number in the space provided, agree to receive text messages for account verification purposes, and click the ‘Submit’ button.
   Note: Messaging and data rates may apply.
4. Once configured, enter the one-time password sent to your cell phone number and click the ‘Verify’ button to finish enabling text message (SMS) two-factor authentication.

You have now added an extra layer of protection to your HCV Owner Portal Account! If a hacker gets ahold of your password, they wouldn’t be able to access your account without completing the second verification step.

Check out our Steps to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication for more information on keeping your account secure.

Property owners/managers often ask ... "What should I include in my unit listing?

Property listings are usually the first impression a potential tenant has of your property and it’s important to start it on a high note. Check out the tips below to learn how to make your property shine.

Details, details, details! This starts with the listing title. Include details that highlight the unique features of your property. Instead of saying, ‘2-Bedroom for Rent,’ include more information such as ‘2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom with High Ceilings for Rent.’ The listing description is also a great opportunity to showcase everything your property has to offer. Is it newly renovated? Is it close to the lake? Does it have an in-unit washer and dryer? Is it near any schools or grocery stores?  Does it have a yard? This information will help set your listing apart from others.

Include high-quality photos. You’ll want to make sure your property has been thoroughly cleaned and organized before taking photos. Open any blinds, so there’s plenty of natural light. Include photos of every room from different angles to paint the full picture.

Be clear with your criteria. Will you charge a move-in fee or application fee? Are pets allowed? If so, will you charge a pet fee? Do you have a credit score requirement? Include this information in your listing so that you are more likely to connect with your ideal tenant.

List your property on multiple channels. There are many housing search websites where you can list your property such as Zillow, HotPads, Apartments.com and more. If you’re looking to market directly to voucher holders, you can list your property on AffordableHousing.com. Posting to social media or creating flyers is also a great way to reach potential tenants.

As required by HUD, CHA has new inspection standards that were implemented on April 1, 2026. Some of the new changes include, but are not limited to:

Smoke Detectors
The unit must include at least one battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector, in proper working condition, in the following locations:

• On each level of the unit
• Inside each bedroom
• Within 15 feet of any door to a bedroom, measured along a path of travel

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A carbon monoxide detector must be located:

• Within 15 feet of any room used for sleeping purposes
• Located inside the boiler area

Tub or Shower in Unit
There must not be bathtub or shower components that are damaged, inoperable or missing such that it may limit the resident’s ability to maintain personal hygiene.

Wall Condition
Any hole greater than two inches in diameter is not acceptable (previously 8 inches by 11 inches).

Security
For dwelling unit entrance, the door, door frame, door jamb, threshold or trim must not be damaged (e.g., splits, cracks, holes, rot, gaps, sagging, etc.) or have missing components.

For more information on the latest inspection requirements, download the updated edition of the CHA Inspection Guidebook.

In addition to all local, state and federal residential rental laws, the relationships between CHA, the HCV participant family and the property owner/manager all come down to a series of contracts: the voucher, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract and the lease.

The Voucher: This is an agreement between CHA and the participant family. The voucher includes information about what is expected of them as an HCV participant, including rules and guidelines that they must adhere to in order to receive subsidy (i.e., rental assistance) through the HCV Program.

HAP Contract: This is an agreement between CHA and the property owner/manager. The HAP Contract includes information about what is expected of the HCV property owner and/or manager in order to receive a portion of the voucher holders' rent each month from CHA.

The Lease: This is an agreement between the property owner/manager and the tenant. HCV property owners and managers are expected to use the same lease for HCV participant families as they would for a market-rate tenant.

As a reminder, CHA is not a party to the lease and therefore does not mediate landlord-tenant relationships. Property owners and managers must enforce their lease terms. If one of your HCV tenants violates the lease, it's important to document the violation and notify CHA as soon as possible.

Need to report a lease violation to CHA? This can be done directly on the HCV Owner Portal. Once logged into your account, select Document Center within the 'My Account' drop-down menu. Upload any supporting documentation and click 'Submit.'

As of April 15, 2026, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) requires that all property owners refrain from using ‘CHA’ in the email address on file for their vendor account. This policy is intended to decrease the likelihood of fraud throughout the HCV Program. As an alternative, for those looking to maintain an affordable housing connection for participant families, it is suggested that ‘HCV’ be used in its place.

Property owners can update their email address online using the HCV Owner Portal. Simply log in at chahcvportal.org, click ‘My Account’ within the site menu and select ‘Update My Email Address’ from the drop-down list.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the integrity of the HCV Program.

Health & Wellness Corner: The Art of Self-Reflection 

You may recall how you survived adversity or acknowledge the growth you've shown. Either way, a central part of attending to your well-being, including mental health, is through the practice of ongoing self-reflection.

Practicing self-reflection means being intentional about taking time to truly notice and see your own self, including the parts of yourself that feel good and unpleasant. Practicing self-reflection might feel comfortable to some and challenging to others. Yet, through self-reflection, you create the space to explore and learn from the different versions of yourself, both past and present. This can mean looking at changes in your mindset, choices, and identity over time. Understanding how you change can impact the future version of yourself, the quality of your relationships, and your connections with the world around you. Ultimately, this can impact the quality of your life and life path. When practicing self-reflection, the focus is not on judging yourself; it is on acknowledgement and understanding with self-compassion.

Life can bring us both joy and pain. The fact that we can’t predict what’s next is part of the human experience. What is known is that change is constantly happening by the minute, hour, and day. This means there is an ongoing chance for you to experience yourself and life differently, even if the difference is unknown. Please keep in mind that, like the seasons, you are always changing, whether by choice or by circumstances, and you do not have to be locked into one version of yourself forever.

In honor of Tax Day, we want to remind you of CHA’s HCV Tax Savings Program.

To qualify for the HCV Tax Savings Program in Chicago, the following guidelines must be met:

1. The property must be located in a census tract with a poverty rate below 12%.
2. The property must lease at least one unit to a family participating in CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program as of January 1 of the year for which the property owner is applying for the tax savings.
3. The eligible unit(s) must comply with CHA Inspection Standards as of January 1 of the year for which the property owner is applying.
4. The building must comply with all local building codes.

If eligible, make sure you complete and submit the HCV Tax Savings Program Application (for the 2026 tax year) no later than December 15, 2026.

Note: Once completed, the application must be notarized and mailed to the CHA address listed on the first page (mail the original and keep a copy for your records). Applications are not accepted by email or fax.

Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, it is illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based on source of income, including a Housing Choice Voucher.

If you’re being denied insurance coverage for a property that you lease to an HCV participant, you can file a complaint with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for investigation. The OIG is an independent body that works with CHA to ensure accountability and integrity. The OIG audits and investigates to prevent fraud, waste, and mismanagement.

Prior to submitting your complaint, make sure to gather any documentation that shows written evidence to support your claim, such as denial letters, email communications and/or notes taken from conversations that include the date, time and name of the company representative(s).

A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing HCV Program Forms
Tuesday, April 28, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Get step-by-step guidance on accurately completing key HCV documents. This session will cover the full RTA Packet, the Change of Ownership/Management Packet, and other essential forms to help ensure your paperwork is submitted correctly the first time.

Steps for Requesting a Rent Increase in the HCV Program
Tuesday, May 12, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Ready to simplify rent increases? Join us as we break down everything you need to know, including laws, notices, timelines, documentation, market research, and more. We’ll also walk you through the most common mistakes that slow the process down and show you how to keep your requests moving smoothly.

Caring for Your Mental Wellness
Tuesday, May 19, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Join us to learn practical strategies to support your mental well-being. This session will cover everyday tools for managing stress and staying grounded throughout life’s challenges.

A Guide to Leasing Up with the HCV Program
Tuesday, June 16, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Get an overview of the full leasing process as a property owner in the HCV Program. We’ll clarify key CHA policies and procedures and review tips to help you lease up smoothly and efficiently.

Ensuring Equity: The Importance of Fair Housing Protections
Tuesday, June 23, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Hear from legal experts as they break down federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws. You’ll learn how to recognize potential violations, understand your rights and responsibilities, and how to support equitable housing practices in your community.

Have leasing-related questions, or want to request a 1:1 consultation? The HCV Owner Outreach team is here to help. Email owneroutreach@thecha.org. ¡También ofrecemos estos servicios en español!

In Case You Missed It:

Welcome Keith Pettigrew, CHA’S Next CEO
The Resurrection Project Bringing Affordable Housing To Vacant Pilsen Lot
Chicago Public Library Expands Automatic Access to More than 315,000 CPS Students with 81 Club Program

We appreciate your continued partnership! If you liked this newsletter, or have topic suggestions for newsletter articles or webinars, reply to this email and let us know.

Looking for past editions of Owner News? Find them on the HCV Owner Portal at chahcvportal.org, under the 'Resources' menu.

Chicago Housing Authority | 60 E. Van Buren Street | Chicago, IL 60605