Did you know you can view detailed results of your CHA-conducted inspections, including specific fail items and photos, directly on the HCV Owner Portal?

To get started, log in to your account at chahcvportal.org, click 'Inspections' within the site menu and select 'Inspection Results' from the drop-down list. From there, you'll be able to see whether an inspection passed or failed (under the 'Last Result' column), view individual results within the inspection series (click on the applicable row within the first table) or view a detailed list of fail items (if applicable) from each inspection (click on the inspection row in the second table).

Want to be notified when inspection results are available? Just make sure to enable email notifications within your account so you know when a new record has been added or a previous record has been updated. Simply log in, click 'My Account' within the site menu and select 'Notification Preferences' from the drop-down list. 

Remember: You can also utilize the HCV Owner Portal to view the dates of any upcoming scheduled inspections by selecting 'Inspection Appointments' from the drop-down list under the 'Inspections' menu.

Check out the online tools below to help make managing your HCV account easier and more efficient:

CHA Website
CHA’s website has a variety of information for both current and prospective HCV property owners regarding:

Getting Started with the HCV Program
Benefits of Renting to HCV Participants
CHA-Conducted Inspections
Lease Management
Completing a Change of Ownership/Management Packet
Property Owner Resources
Property Owner Support

Visit thecha.org for helpful information including comprehensive guides, forms, upcoming events and more.

HCV Webinars via GoToWebinar
Did you know CHA offers educational webinars throughout the year? These sessions are hosted on GoToWebinar. Whether you attend live or watch the session recordings at a later time in the HCV Webinar Library, utilizing the HCV Webinars via GoToWebinar can help you learn more about the HCV Program, leasing, property management and general best practices for owning rental property in the city of Chicago. Some of the recent topics include:

• Setting Rental Rates
• CHA Inspections
• Property Maintenance
• Lease Writing
• Completing HCV Paperwork

Visit gotostage.com/channel/chahcvowners to access dozens of webinar recordings that can be viewed on demand. Or, for a list of upcoming live sessions, click here.

HCV Owner Portal
From finances to inspections, the HCV Owner Portal is the ultimate tool! Registered property owners and managers can use the HCV Owner Portal to:

• Submit documents and requests
• View inspection appointments and results
• Request inspection extensions and submit self-certification of CHA inspection compliance
• Download HAP statements, 1099s and resources
• Change contact and direct deposit information
• Track in-progress moves
• Use the Affordability Calculator to determine if your unit is affordable for a specific HCV participant
• And more!

Not registered for an HCV Owner Portal account yet? It's easy! Click here for help with creating an account as well as other HCV Owner Portal FAQs.

AffordableHousing.com
Once a property owner submits a Request for Tenancy (RTA) packet or requests a rent increase through the HCV Owner Portal, CHA will conduct a rent reasonableness study and look at comparable units to determine whether or not the property owner’s asking rent is reasonable. This is why it's key for property owners to know the market!

Property owners can use AffordableHousing.com to pull comparable unit data from dozens of reliable, verifiable sources and submit their own unit data for review. A free account is required and creating one is easy! Just visit AffordableHousing.com and click 'Sign up' in the upper right corner of the homepage.

Remember: If you have comparable unit data that you want CHA to consider during the rent determination process, it must be submitted to AffordableHousing.com prior to the RTA packet submission or rent increase request.

CHA has launched a new Reasonable Accommodation Portal, an easy-to-use platform that gives HCV participant families the ability to submit reasonable accommodation requests online as well as ask CHA staff questions and get status updates.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation? A reasonable accommodation is a change CHA can make to policies, procedures or properties to help people with disabilities use its programs. Examples include voucher extensions, approving a live-in aide or allowing an extra bedroom.

Help spread the word ... share this information with your tenant(s). If they should have any questions regarding CHA's Reasonable Accommodation Portal or the process, please direct them to the Fair Housing Department at fairhousing@thecha.org or 312-913-7062.

CHA's HCV Regional Offices are open each weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of the Central Office located at 60 E. Van Buren, which is now closed to the public on Fridays (effective November 21). As always, housing providers can schedule an appointment for another day (during regular business hours), email Owner Services directly at ownerinfo@thecha.org, contact the CHA Customer Call Center for assistance at 312-935-2600 or manage their account online 24/7 through the HCV Owner Portal. Additionally, please take note of upcoming office closures in observance of the following federal holidays:

• Christmas Eve | Wednesday, December 24
• Christmas Day | Thursday, December 25
• New Year's Eve | Wednesday, December 31
• New Year's Day | Thursday, January 1
• Dr. M.L. King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19
• Lincoln’s Birthday | Thursday, February 12
• Presidents Day | Monday, February 16

Program Update: 2FA Mandatory for HCV Owner Portal

In late January 2025, CHA launched a new feature within the HCV Owner Portal — Two-Factor Authentication, or 2FA — to help users protect their account information from hackers and other outside threats. As a continuation of its commitment to ensuring data security, CHA is now going one step further.

As of Friday, December 5, 2025, all HCV Owner Portal users must enable Two-Factor Authentication to access their account.

If you haven’t set up Two-Factor Authentication yet, log in to your HCV Owner Portal account today at chahcvportal.org and complete the steps below to ensure a seamless login process moving forward.

Note: Once logged in, you will automatically be taken to the Two-Factor Authentication screen.

Step 1: Click the 'Configure Authenticator App' button to get started.

Step 2: Follow the instructions on the screen. Once configured, enter the unique code provided by your preferred authenticator app and click the 'Verify' button.

Congratulations! You have successfully added another layer of protection to your HCV Owner Portal account. Going forward, each time you log in you’ll be prompted to enter a one-time password code, generated from your authenticator app.

We hope you enjoy this added security feature and thank you for your continued partnership with CHA.

Completing a Change of Ownership/Management Packet

Are you selling your current HCV property or changing property management? You or the new property owner must notify CHA promptly using the Change of Ownership/Management packet to ensure a smooth transition and avoid delays in payments or processing.

The Change of Ownership/Management packet is an 18-page document that includes:

• An instruction page with checklist
• The change of ownership/management form
• A tenant list with familial relation certification
• A supporting documentation sheet
• A HAP contract assignment
• An affidavit of ownership
• An authorization for the release of information
• A management authorization
• A property owner certification
• A direct deposit authorization
• And, the IRS Form W-9

To avoid delays or forfeiture of past payments, make sure to follow the instructions carefully, use the checklist and complete the packet in full before submitting to CHA for processing. Once received and reviewed, CHA will pause payments, screen the new property owner for eligibility, set up direct deposit, and reassign payments to the new property owner.

Current property owners can submit the packet in its entirety through their account on the HCV Owner Portal. Simply click ‘My Account’ within the site menu and select 'Document Center' from the drop-down list. New property owners can click here to download the packet from the CHA website and submit it via email to ownerservices@thecha.org.

If you need additional time to make certain repairs following a failed inspection, there are instances in which CHA may grant an extension.

There are two types of inspection extensions: Weather-Related (granted only for inspections that are conducted November – February when the weather prevents property owners from correcting certain external violations) and Non-Weather Related (granted when extraordinary circumstances exist that prevent property owners from completing the repair, including difficulty receiving parts or a delay by the utility provider).

If you need to request an extension, you can do so directly on the HCV Owner Portal in just a few easy steps:

1. Click on 'Resources' within the site menu. Under the ‘HQS Inspection Forms’ column, select 'Inspection Extension Request' to download the form (fillable PDF).
2. Complete the form in its entirety and save it on your device.
3. Click 'My Account' within the site menu and select 'Document Center' from the drop-down list.
4. Select the appropriate vendor account, list the tenant name/affiliated voucher number (if applicable) and select ‘Inspection Extension Request’ as the document type.
5. Attach your completed request form and include any notes relevant to your submission.
6. Click the ‘Submit’ button to finish. The form will be sent directly to the Inspections Department.

CHA will respond in writing with either an approval or denial within five (5) business days. If denied, the property owner has 30 days from the date that the inspection occurred to correct the problem or CHA will abate the HAP.

Note: Remember to select the correct extension type when completing the form! You'll be asked to select either Weather-Related or Non-Weather Related as a request type.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by a change of seasons. It’s most common during the fall and winter seasons and is commonly referred to as the ‘winter blues.’ Symptoms include sadness, anxiety and fatigue as well as feelings of irritation or agitation. If you think you're experiencing SAD, below are a few tips that might help improve your mood:

Prioritize light. Keep your blinds open and go for walks on sunny days. Research shows that sunlight can have an impact on our serotonin levels and the shorter daylight hours that occur during winter can cause a decrease in serotonin.

Keep a consistent sleep schedule. As with most bodily functions, getting enough sleep is key. With less daylight hours, you may feel inclined to sleep more than usual but keeping a consistent schedule can help alleviate feelings of depression.

Stay social. Outings are difficult during the winter months but even socializing virtually can help improve your mood. Set aside time to talk to your loved ones through FaceTime or Zoom.

Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan. Whether it’s medication or Vitamin D supplements, your doctor can help you develop a plan to manage any SAD symptoms.  

For more information on SAD, visit nimh.nih.gov.

Important CHA Reminders for 2026
Tuesday, January 13, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Kick off the new year on the right foot with CHA as we review reminders to help set you up for success in the HCV Program. We’ll discuss new updates, essential information, program tools and more.

HCV Program Myths vs. Facts
Tuesday, February 3, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

We’re here to clear the air regarding some of the more common HCV Program misconceptions. Join us as we debunk myths when it comes to rent determination, inspections, HCV Program enforcement and more.

Roles and Responsibilities in the HCV Program
Tuesday, February 24, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Do you know your responsibilities as an HCV Program property owner? Join us as we discuss the contracts that guide the relationships between CHA, the HCV participant family and the property owner. We’ll also discuss how CHA monitors contract compliance, investigates complaints and ensures that HCV families and property owners are meeting their obligations to the program (and to each other).

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:

More Housing Ahead: CHA Board Approves New Project-Based Vouchers in Lincoln Park and Uptown
Warming Centers Open as Chicago Area Experiences Extreme Cold Temperatures
After 130+ Years In Logan Square, Former Church Demolished For Single-Family Homes

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