After that, it only takes a few simple steps to complete your request:

1. Select a unit from the drop-down list, type in the requested rent amount and click ‘YES, please proceed with my request’.
2. Adobe Sign will launch with a fillable Rent Increase Request Form. Some information will already be pre-filled including the participant name and voucher number. Property owner information will also be pre-filled including property owner name and vendor number.
3. Carefully read through the ‘reason for request’ field and select all that apply. If change in bedroom size is one of the reasons for your request, it must be supported by a CHA-conducted inspection.
4. Complete the utility table as it must be filled out even if utilities are not changing.
5. Check the relevant unit amenities to ensure the rent reasonableness study is pulling units with similar features.
6. Read and initial next to each item in the Property Owner Certification section.
7. Lastly, sign and date, then click submit.
   Note: Make sure to read through the form to ensure the information is accurate prior to submitting. Form errors are the most common reason that a rent increase request is delayed!

Once the complete and accurate Rent Increase Request Form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. CHA will then review and approve or deny the request within 30 days of receipt.

*The best comparable units are within a 1-mile radius of the property, leased within 1 year without a subsidy, the same property type, the same unit size and the same utility responsibilities.

Change of Ownership/Management Form
Make sure to select ‘type of change’ at the top of the form. If you have more than two (2) properties, submit multiple copies of the form or a list of properties with addresses and Property Index Numbers (PINs).

Tenant List with Familial Relation Certification
List all HCV participants residing in the properties to be changed. If you have more than 12 tenants, submit multiple copies of the form or a list of tenants, addresses and relationship.

Supporting Documentation
Supporting documentation is used to verify ownership, management contract and eligibility to receive funds from the HCV Program.

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract Assignment
This form ensures the existing HAP Contract is transferred to the new property owner or manager. If there are more the five (5) tenants per address, submit multiple copies of the form or a list of tenants and addresses.

Affidavit of Ownership
The legal deeded property owner(s) must complete this 4-page form for each PIN where a change has occurred and only complete the section (A, B, C or D) that corresponds to the ownership type:

• Section A: Individual/Sole Proprietor Ownership
• Section B: Business Ownership
• Section C: Court Appointed Receiver Ownership
• Section D: Trust Ownership

Authorization for the Release of Information
Only needs to be completed if applicable.

Management Authorization
This form is optional and only needs to be completed if an individual or company will be conducting business on behalf of the legal deeded property owner, such as receiving Housing Assistance Payments, signing forms and contracts or acting as a representative.

Property Owner Certification
Initial next to each item to certify that you have read, understand and agree to the terms of participation in the HCV Program before you sign/date the last page.

Direct Deposit Authorization
Housing Assistance Payments are only issued via direct deposit. Payee name and SSN/Tax ID must match the IRS W-9 form and documentation! You must include one of the following as supporting documentation: voided check, deposit slip (savings account only) or letter from financial institution.

IRS Form W-9
Payee name and SSN/Tax ID must match the direct deposit form and documentation.

Current HCV property owners can submit the completed packet through their account on the HCV Owner Portal. Once logged in, click on ‘My Account’ within the site menu and select ‘Document Center’ from the drop-down list. For property owners new to the HCV Program, please email the completed packet to ownerservices@thecha.org.

To download the Change of Ownership/Management Packet, visit thecha.org/forms.

Program Reminder: Heat Ordinance    

The Department of Buildings enforces the Chicago Building Code. This includes the Chicago Heat Ordinance, which mandates that during cold weather months property owners and managers must supply heat to rental units or to any unit where property owners do not have individual control of heat.

From September 15 – June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

As a reminder, property owner/manager can face fines up to $500 per day, per violation for each day they do not supply adequate heat. The reason for the lack of heat does not matter ... property owners/managers must follow the law and residences must be heated regardless.

It’s time to practice some self-care in celebration of National Wellness Month! National Wellness Month is dedicated to prioritizing your mental, physical and emotional health. Here are some ways to prioritize your well-being this month:

Stay hydrated. A healthy water intake can help improve your energy levels and overall bodily functions. 

Do something you love. Your favorite activities such as reading, exercising or listening to music can be major mood boosters.

Work on your To-Do List. No matter how big or small, crossing something off your To-Do List can help put your mind at ease and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Check-in with loved ones. Connecting with friends and family can build a strong sense of belonging and help you feel closer with the people in your life.

Practice mindfulness. Focus on being present and engaged with your senses as much as possible. If you decide to go for a walk, focus on the movement of your body or on your surroundings such as the different colors of any plants or trees you encounter on your walk. When you’re eating, take a moment to observe the different flavors or textures of the food.

OS25 Webinar Series: Intro to the Chicago RLTO
Tuesday, August 19, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Are you familiar with the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)? If not, join us as we discuss key rights and responsibilities that will help you successfully and legally manage your property.

OS25 Webinar Series: A Deeper Dive into the Chicago RLTO
Tuesday, August 26, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Join us as we take an in-depth look at the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) — covering way more than the basics. By the end of the session, you will be an expert when it comes to the Chicago RLTO.

HCV Paperwork Bootcamp
Tuesday, September 9, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Details are key when it comes to filling out HCV paperwork. We’re here to guide you so that your paperwork is submitted correctly the first time. This session will primarily focus on completing the full RTA Packet and Change of Ownership/Management Packet but will also cover other important documentation!

OS25 Webinar Series: How to Use AffordableHousing.com
Tuesday, September 30, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Did you know AffordableHousing.com is the largest affordable housing listing network in the country? This session will cover how to list your property on AffordableHousing.com, submit comparable unit data (a major key to leasing up with the HCV Program!), and more.

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:

City Investing $40 Million To Improve Conditions At 7 Homeless Shelters
CHA Bids Adieu to More Than 200 College-Bound Freshmen at 15th Annual Take Flight College Send-Off
Johnson, CTU, CPS Announce Expansion of Sustainable Community Schools in 3 Chicago Neighborhoods

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