For the Utility and Appliances, only check the boxes for those that the tenant would be responsible to pay or provide. Then, click the ‘Submit’ button to continue.

A message will appear notifying you if the rent and utility responsibilities would be affordable or not. If the rent is not affordable, the message will list the maximum monthly rent that the tenant would be able to afford given the income and utility responsibilities listed.

Remember: The Affordability Calculator estimate is solely based on the form inputs and does not guarantee that CHA will grant the rent you requested for a specific unit. CHA’s rent offer takes many additional factors into consideration, including a rent reasonableness analysis of comparable market-rate units.

Property owners/managers often ask ... "What factors does CHA take into consideration when calculating the rent offer?”

CHA considers several variables when determining the rent amount (once the Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) packet is submitted). See below for a breakdown of the different components that play a role in how CHA determines rent. 

Asking Rent
When completing the RTA packet, property owners will be asked to submit a desired rent amount for the unit. As a reminder, it’s essential for property owners to study the market before deciding this amount. Why, you ask? Because CHA cannot offer a rent amount that doesn't align with the market. So, when determining the 'Requested Rent' or 'Asking Rent' amount for a rent increase or a new move, you must have a clear understanding of the market before submitting your request.

Market Rent
Following RTA packet submission and after the property owner’s eligibility has been verified, CHA conducts an analysis of comparable market-rate units to determine a reasonable 'Market Rent'. CHA uses AffordableHousing.com to pull comparable data from dozens of reliable, verifiable sources, considering items such as unit age, location, condition, market area, structure type, amenities, and tenant expenses for utilities and appliances. Property owners can also use AffordableHousing.com to find comparable unit data that they want CHA to consider during the rent determination process. Just be aware — 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 RTA packet submission.

Remember, the best comparable units are:

• Within a 1-mile radius of the property (the closer, the better).
• Unsubsidized (i.e., market rate) and leased within the last year.
• The same property type (single-family, duplex, high-rise, etc.).
• The same unit size (number of bedrooms).
• The same utility responsibilities.

HCV Participant Affordability
CHA calculates an HCV participant family’s affordability based on:

• The family’s income, and
• The amount of subsidy the family is eligible to receive.

When calculating the family's income, CHA determines the Total Tenant Payment (TTP), counting all consistent income toward this amount. CHA will adjust the family's income if they qualify for deductions (i.e., childcare costs, students or persons with disabilities, medical expenses).

CHA then uses the prospective tenant’s income data and the amount of subsidy they are eligible to receive (based on current Payment Standards for their voucher size) to calculate the maximum monthly amount the tenant can afford to pay toward both rent and utilities.

Lastly, CHA will compare the Asking Rent, the Market Rent and the participant family’s Affordable Rent. The rent offer will be the lowest of these three amounts.

Remember: It is a rent determination, not rent negotiation. Property owners are encouraged to review the rent offer carefully to ensure the unit information (i.e., bedroom size, utility responsibility) is accurate, and notify CHA of any discrepancy before accepting or declining.

If your property is located in a census tract with a poverty rate below 12%, you may be eligible for CHA's HCV Tax Savings Program! Click here for more information as well as a link to the application.

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.

CHA is currently working on policy updates to ensure full implementation of HUD's new inspection model — National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate, otherwise known as NSPIRE — by early next year.

As a reminder, several new inspection standards are already in place (as of April 1, 2026), including those for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, bathtub/shower components, wall conditions, and security. See the April 2026 issue of this newsletter for details.

Stay tuned ... more information about what is changing will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, to review the current requirements, download the February 2026 edition of the CHA Inspection Guidebook.

Every unit must pass a CHA-conducted inspection in order to be leased through the HCV Program, so it’s very important to make sure you’re prepared for any upcoming inspection appointments. Follow the tips below to help set yourself up for success at your next inspection.

Pre-Inspect and Walk the Unit. Do not let the CHA inspector be the first person to check your property. Walk the unit 1-2 weeks before with the NSPIRE HCV/PBV Inspection Checklist (new guidance coming February 2027 ... better to start early). Test every single window, outlet, and door.

Perform a 'Water & Wire' Sweep. Look under sinks, near water heaters, and behind dishwashers. If there is a water drip splashing near any wire, outlet, or appliance motor, it will be cited as a 'Leak - Electrical' 24-hour life-threatening failure.

Remove Dead Alarms Immediately. Tenants often take down chirping smoke detectors and place them in drawers or leave dead older units on walls after installing new ones. Track down and remove all disabled or partial units.

Check Your Grounding. Use a three-prong outlet tester to check all GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms. If they do not trip when you press the button, replace them before the inspector arrives.

Address Security at the Unit Entry. Ensure the front and back doors latch completely into the striker plate without needing to be forced or pulled hard.

Health & Wellness Corner: National Mental Health Screening Month 

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. This observance is dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and bringing awareness of the need for mental health screenings.

This October, take the time to develop your understanding of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues. Screening can make a major difference in quality of life, as many mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder) evolve gradually and often have already made a significant impact before they’re diagnosed. Early intervention can lead to more effective treatment and less intensive care.

There are even online assessments that can help identify which mental health symptoms you may be experiencing. Mental health issues such as depression are highly treatable, and it’s important to seek help from a professional who can determine the most appropriate course of treatment for each individual.

Save the Date: 2026 CHA Owner Symposium
Thursday, October 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | In Person and Online | Register Now

The Owner Symposium is CHA's premier event for Chicago property owners, managers, investors and other real estate professionals. Now in its 17th year, this day-long event will be held at CHA Headquarters and feature three general sessions covering timely industry topics, a dedicated exhibit area with products and services from a variety of vendors, and opportunities to connect with other Chicago housing providers.

OS26 Webinar Series: Understanding the Eviction Process
Thursday, November 5, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Learn best practices for navigating the eviction process. This session will cover essential legal steps and required notices as well as how to ensure you’re compliant with local and state regulations.

OS26 Webinar Series: Foundations for Strong Relationships
Thursday, December 3, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Join us as we review key principles for managing landlord-tenant relationships in a professional and consistent way. Learn how communication, documentation, and clear policies can support a smoother rental experience.

Strategies to Protect Your Mental Health
Tuesday, December 8, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Discover practical strategies to safeguard your mental well-being. This session will highlight simple, effective approaches to help you manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a healthier mindset in everyday life.

The Future of Leasing: How Technology and Automation are Changing Property Management
Tuesday, December 15, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Discover how emerging technologies and automated tools are reshaping the leasing landscape. This session will explore innovative solutions that streamline operations, enhance the renter experience and boost efficiency for property owners/managers. 

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:

Chicago Housing Authority Celebrates 1,000th Homeowner through the Agency’s Choose to Own Program
City’s 1st Pedestrian-Activated Stoplight Coming to Deadly Edgewater Intersection This Fall
City Council Approves Plans for 200 Affordable Homes in Edgewater, Humboldt Park

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