If you have a team that helps manage your properties, you can set up sub-accounts for them on the HCV Owner Portal!

Once you have logged in to your primary HCV Owner Portal account, click ‘My Account’ within the site menu and select ‘Sub-Accounts’ from the drop-down list. Click the ‘+Add’ button at the top left of the table to add a new sub-account. The pop-up box will ask you for the sub-user’s email address, a password for the sub-account, a description and the vendor number(s) you want the sub-account to manage. Click ‘Add Sub-Account’ to finish creating the account.

Note: You must create an HCV Owner Portal account using the email address on file for the vendor number(s) before you can add a Sub-Account. To create an HCV Owner Portal account, visit chahcvportal.org and click the Sign Up button on the bottom left of the screen

There are four (4) different types of CHA-conducted inspections:

1. Initial — Completed prior to the HCV participant family moving into the unit, an initial inspection is scheduled after a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) packet is correctly submitted to CHA and the property owner has passed an eligibility screening as well as accepted the rent offer from CHA.
2. Regular — A regular inspection is conducted at least biennially (once every two years) to determine that the unit is still in compliance with CHA Inspection Standards as well as ensure continued quality living conditions for the participant family.
3. Complaint — A complaint inspection can be requested at any time by the participant or property owner/manager to report maintenance, health or safety violations in the unit.
4. Quality Control — To ensure that CHA Inspection Standards are being uniformly applied and interpreted by all inspectors, quality control inspections are conducted on random samples of units that have recently passed inspection.

A key step in preparing for an inspection is doing a walkthrough of your unit, including both the interior and exterior. Carefully walk through each room and identify any areas that need repair. Items you should be mindful of when walking through your unit include, but are not limited to:

• Chipped and/or deteriorating paint, as this can expose your tenants to lead-based paint poisoning.
• Electrical hazards, such as frayed and broken electrical wires, exposed fuse box connections or overloaded circuits.
• Locks must work properly, and all windows and doors accessible from the outside must be lockable.
• The ceiling should be in good condition and without leaks, holes, or loose plaster.
• All bathrooms must have either a window that opens or a working ventilation system.
• All utilities must be on and operating safely.

Note: If you already have a tenant residing in the unit that is scheduled for inspection, make sure you provide proper notice of your walkthrough. As required by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, a property owner/manager must give their tenants a 48-hour notice before entering the unit unless there is an emergency (i.e., fire, flood, gas leak).

If you notice any areas that require maintenance during your walkthrough, make the necessary repairs to ensure your unit is ready for the inspection. Some repairs may take longer than others, so the sooner you start, the better.

For an in-depth review of what CHA inspectors are looking for during an inspection, check out the latest edition of the Inspection Guidebook, available for download on CHA's website (Property Owner Resources/Guides & Videos). For a high-level overview of general inspection standards, see the “Rent-Ready” criteria on page 33 of the Property Owner Guidebook.

Add an extra layer of protection to your HCV Owner Portal account by setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). 2FA is a mandatory security measure that helps HCV Owner Portal users protect their account information from hackers and other outside threats. 2FA setup only takes a few quick steps!

If you have yet to enable 2FA for your account, simply visit chahcvportal.org to log in. Once you've entered your user name and password, you will automatically be taken to the 2FA setup screen that will walk you through the process.

NEW ... Text messaging option now available for Two-Factor Authentication. From the 2FA setup screen, you can now choose from two options — Configure Authenticator App (most secure) or Configure Text Messaging (SMS authentication, messaging and data rates may apply). To set up text messaging, simply enter your preferred cell phone number in the space provided, agree to receive text messages for account verification purposes, and click the ‘Submit’ button. Once configured, enter the one-time password sent to your cell phone number and click the ‘Verify’ button to finish enabling text message (SMS) 2FA. You’re all set! Going forward, each time you log in, you’ll be prompted to enter a one-time password that has been sent as a text message to the cell phone number you provided.

The HCV Owner Portal 2FA Instructions have been updated ... click here to review.

As of January 1, 2026, housing providers in Illinois must attach the Summary of Rights for Safer Homes as the first page of every written residential lease, including new and renewal. Housing providers must obtain the signature of each tenant at the bottom of each page of the summary.

The Illinois Safe Homes Act provides housing protections for survivors of domestic or sexual violence. Under the Safe Homes Act, tenants can end their lease early without penalty if staying puts them at risk and request that housing providers change locks to prevent further abuse.

For more information, visit dhr.illinois.gov/safer-homes.

Health & Wellness Corner: Mental Health Tips for the New Year

A new year can bring on a mix of emotions and complex feelings. It's also a time of reflection that can help you identify areas of your life that need change. Physical fitness goals are a common type of New Year's resolution, but it’s important to have goals for your mental health as well. Here are some small ways you can nurture your emotional well-being in 2026:

Set goals that are realistic. Start with small goals so that you aren’t putting too much pressure on yourself. Some small goals you can set for yourself include drinking enough water throughout the day, meal planning, or completing a task that you’ve been putting off, such as scheduling an appointment or sending a text or email.

Limit your media consumption. The news and social media can be major stress triggers. Try reducing your screen time or even going device-free for a few hours each day.

Find stress-relieving activities that work for you. This varies from person to person, so take some time to explore what works best for you. Some examples include exercising, playing games or keeping a journal.

Take it one day at a time. Stay present and practice present-moment awareness. This can help you stay engaged and avoid overthinking.

Practice positive self-talk. It’s hard to silence our inner critic, but doing so can give you a major happiness boost. A good rule of thumb is never tell yourself anything that you wouldn’t also say to a friend or family member. Treat yourself with kindness as much as possible.

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 property owner/manager? 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).

Property Owner Networking Event
Thursday, March 12, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Join fellow property owners in person to share experiences, discuss best practices and learn from each other. CHA staff will be on hand to help facilitate, but the event is all yours.

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:

POAH Selected to Lead Loomis Courts Redevelopment
Proposed 40-Unit Building On Humboldt Park-Ukrainian Village Border Wins Alderman’s Support
CTA State/Lake Elevated Station 3-Year Closure Begins

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