Through this website, property owners can access rent and utility information as well as upload their own comparable unit data for consideration.

What’s the importance of submitting comparable unit data? "Market Rent" is one of three factors that CHA takes into consideration when deciding the rent offer, and it uses comparable units as a large factor in determining the subsidy it is able to pay. Property owners can use Affordablehousing.com to find comparable unit data that they want CHA to consider during the rent determination process. The other factors CHA considers when determining the rent offer are "Asking Rent" (what the property owner lists on the RTA packet as their proposed rent) and "Participant Affordability" (what the family can afford based on their income and the amount of subsidy they are eligible to receive).

Click the thumbnail to watch a short video on how to upload comparables!

Please note: 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.

As we all know, summer in Chicago is one of the best times of the year. In between all the fun, it’s important to be prepared for some of the more unpredictable elements of summer such as the weather (i.e., extreme heat, fluctuating temperatures, heavy rainfall) and crime. Luckily there are many steps you can take now to ensure the safety of your property and tenants. Check out some tips below:

Make sure your property is prepared for summer storms. Trim any large tree branches or shrubs that can potentially break off or come loose. You can also install storm shutters over or alongside your property’s windows to help prevent damage.

Check in on your tenants. This is especially important during heat waves. Ensure their air conditioning is working properly and conduct maintenance if needed. Hot temperatures can be dangerous and it’s important to make sure you’re providing safe living conditions for your tenants. Summer is also the prime time for pests. This is a great time to assess if any pest control services are needed as well.

Install motion sensor lighting around your property. This will help make your property less appealing to any potential intruders trying to gain access.

Stay informed. Whether it’s watching the local news or attending city council meetings, being aware of any crime trends in the areas around your property can help give you an understanding of what safety precautions are needed.

Change locks as needed. As summer is primetime for moving, make sure to change your locks in between tenants. Consider upgrading to high-security locks, if possible. Make sure to test out any new locks to ensure they’re working properly. 

Install outdoor security cameras. Outdoor cameras can also help deter crime or intruders by providing an extra layer of security for your property.

To help streamline the moving process, CHA will now calculate the Contract Rent and send a rent offer for acceptance prior to scheduling and conducting the Initial Inspection of the unit.

Effective June 1, 2025, once CHA receives and reviews the complete and accurate RTA packet and any supporting documentation, the steps for processing a new move are as follows:

1. CHA screens the property owner to determine eligibility.
2. CHA calculates the Contract Rent (based on an analysis of comparables, the property owner's Asking Rent and the HCV participant family's affordability) and contacts the property owner with a rent offer.
3. CHA awaits the property owner's acceptance of the rent offer.
4. Once accepted, CHA schedules an Initial Inspection with the property owner.
5. CHA conducts an inspection of the unit.
6. Once the unit passes the CHA-conducted inspection, the participant family and property owner determine a move-in date and sign the lease agreement, and CHA executes the HAP Contract with the property owner.
7. CHA receives the signed HAP Contract, Utilities and Appliances Lease Addendum and corresponding lease agreement and schedules the subsidy payment to the property owner, and the participant family moves in to the new unit (on the lease effective date).

There are several important deadlines to be mindful of as this new process takes effect, including:

Rent offer response: Once CHA sends the rent offer, property owners have 2 days to either accept or decline the offer. Make sure to review the rent offer carefully and inform CHA of any discrepancy (such as inaccurate bedroom size or utility responsibility) before accepting or declining the offer.

Move-in date and signed lease response: After the unit passes inspection, property owners must inform CHA of the agreed-upon move-in date within 2 days as well as submit a copy of the signed lease agreement.

Correction of failed inspection items and response: If the unit fails the Initial Inspection, property owners must make the necessary repairs and call CHA to schedule a one-time re-inspection within 14 days. If the re-inspection cannot be scheduled within 14 days or if the unit fails again, the move will be cancelled.

For more information on the new moves process, visit the HCV Leasing page on CHA's website or reference CHA's Property Owner Guidebook.

Program Reminder: Rent Increase Request Timeline     

Did you know the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) requires a specific timeline for notifying tenants of a rent increase?

It all comes down to the amount of time the tenant has resided in the unit. If the tenant has lived in the unit for less than three years, you must notify them 60 days prior to the effective date of the rent increase. If the tenant has lived in the unit for over three years, you must notify them 120 days prior to the effective date of the rent increase.

In addition to timeline requirements, you should also be mindful of CHA’s rent increase eligibility criteria before submitting your request:

1. You can request a rent increase to go into effect any time after the end of a lease term (normally 12 months but no more than two years).
2. You can only submit a rent increase request (per HCV unit) once every 12 months.
3. The unit must be compliant with inspection standards (i.e., not have any outstanding fail items, not due for a regular inspection prior to the effective date of the rent increase).

For more information, including instructions for submitting a rent increase request through the HCV Owner Portal, reference page 38 in CHA's Property Owner Guidebook or log in to your HCV Owner Portal account, click 'Finance' within the site menu and select 'Request a Rent Increase' from the drop-down list.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month. Over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 14 million Americans will be living with Alzheimer’s by 2060. Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Below are just a few ways you can get involved and promote better brain health this month:

Prioritize your health. Get in a routine of practicing activities that can improve your brain health. Habits such as reading, getting enough sleep, taking care of your mental health, and a healthy diet all promote positive brain health and can help reduce cognitive decline.

Attend an event. The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting education events throughout Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. Topics include Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, and how to maintain a brain-healthy diet. Register here.

Wear purple. Purple is the official color of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month! Wearing purple is a great way to show your support and raise awareness.

In an effort to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness in the city of Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the city is developing a new Five-Year Plan on Homelessness. Leading this new initiative is Chief Homelessness Officer Sendy Soto, who has over 20 years of experience addressing homelessness, housing and community safety.

Thousands of Chicagoans experience homelessness, including over 26,800 Chicago Public School students last year. As a housing provider, you play a vital role in shaping housing stability and can help make a major difference in your community.

Here are ways you can help support the city’s Five-Year Plan on Homelessness:

1. Make your voice heard by filling out the public engagement survey. The survey is short and anonymous, and the feedback collected will directly inform strategies to improve housing access, services and outcomes citywide.
2. Spread the word by sharing the "Chicagoans Take ACCTion" flyer with your tenants (post it in your building, if applicable) so they also have the opportunity to share their insights — especially those who have experienced housing insecurity.

For more information on this initiative, please visit bit.ly/ChiTakeACCTion.

Making Calculations — CHA Rent Determination 
Tuesday, July 8, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

There are many factors that play a role in how CHA determines rent and we’re going to break it down step-by-step. Get your calculator ready as we’ll go over example cases and you’ll have the chance to do your own math. This session will also cover how to successfully submit a rent increase request.

Basics of the HCV Program
Tuesday, July 29, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Join us as CHA staff gets back to basics and breaks down how the voucher program works. This session will also address frequently asked questions about CHA policies and procedures including entering the program, inspections, HCV Program enforcement and more.

The Ins and Outs of CHA Inspections 
Tuesday, August 5, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Passing a CHA-conducted inspection is crucial to leasing up with the HCV Program! Join us as we methodically walk through a typical CHA inspection, highlight common fail items, and discuss HUD policy updates.

A Guide to Financial Literacy 
Tuesday, August 12, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to making financial decisions? Here from experts as they discuss how you can make informed decisions when it comes to managing your money, including how to spend smarter, handle debt, set a reasonable budget and more. 

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 on August 19 as we discuss key rights and responsibilities that will help you successfully and legally manage your property.

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!

Digital Literacy 101
Tuesday, September 23, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Join us to gain the skills and knowledge for successfully navigating the digital age. We’ll help set you up for success when it comes to computer use and online tools.

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:

Chicago Housing Authority creates Healthy Homes Division
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Expansion of Project Safe Neighborhoods in Chicago
City Must Add 1,700 Crosswalk Signals To Help Blind, Visually Impaired People Under Judge’s Order

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