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P.S. As of 2025, Going Places is delivered exclusively via email. You are receiving this e-newsletter because your email address is on file for your account. If you know of an HCV participant family who is not receiving Going Places, it's most likely because they don't have an email address on file. We hope you'll encourage them to contact CHA and add a personal email to their account. Just remember, if possible, any email on file should belong to the voucher holder, since CHA also uses it for sensitive account-related information.

In addition to all local, state and federal residential rental laws, the relationships between CHA, the HCV participant family and the property owner/manager all come down to a series of contracts: the voucher, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract and the lease.

The Voucher: This is an agreement between CHA and the participant family. The voucher includes information about what is expected of them as an HCV participant, including rules and guidelines that they must adhere to in order to receive subsidy (i.e., rental assistance) through the HCV Program.

HAP Contract: This is an agreement between CHA and the property owner/manager. The HAP Contract includes information about what is expected of the HCV property owner and/or manager in order to receive a portion of the voucher holders' rent each month from CHA.

The Lease: This is an agreement between the property owner/manager and the tenant. HCV property owners and managers are expected to use the same lease for HCV participant families as they would for a market-rate tenant.

As a reminder, CHA is not a party to the lease and therefore does not mediate landlord-tenant relationships.

For more information regarding responsibilities in the HCV Program, refer to pages 7-9 in CHA's Participant Guidebook.

Before a unit can be leased to an HCV participant, it must pass a CHA inspection and continue to pass for the duration of the participant's time in that unit. CHA Inspections are to ensure that housing for HCV participants is decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair. When getting ready for a CHA inspection, having a clear understanding of your responsibilities is key. HCV participants are responsible for keeping their assisted unit compliant with CHA Inspection Standards, and non-compliance may lead to an investigation by the HCV Program Integrity team. Check out the tips below to help ensure your CHA inspection goes smoothly and that you remain in compliance with the HCV Program.

Make sure utilities are in service. Utilities, including heat, gas and electricity, must be turned on and in service. Utilities ensure the unit is safe, decent and sanitary, so if they’re not on, it’s considered a life-threatening deficiency and will result in a failed inspection.

Grant unit access. Allow the CHA inspector inside the unit for the inspection. If you’re not going to be home, an adult 18 years of age or older can be present to allow the inspector access. This adult does not have to be the head of household or be on the voucher. They can be any family representative. It can also be the property owner. CHA provides three notices in advance to both the participant and the property owner before the scheduled inspection.

It’s also crucial to grant unit access to the property owner to make any repairs. 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).

Communicate with the property owner. If any repairs are needed, notify the property owner as soon as possible so that repairs can be made in a timely manner. Participant families are responsible for maintaining the unit in good condition and must repair or work with the property owner to repair any damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Make sure to stay up to date with CHA. As required by HUD, CHA has new inspection standards that were implemented on April 1, 2026. Some of the new changes include, but are not limited to:

Smoke Detectors
The unit must include at least one battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector, in proper working condition, in the following locations:

• On each level of the unit
• Inside each bedroom
• Within 15 feet of any door to a bedroom, measured along a path of travel

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A carbon monoxide detector must be located:

• Within 15 feet of any room used for sleeping purposes
• Inside the boiler area

Tub or Shower in Unit
There must not be bathtub or shower components that are damaged, inoperable or missing such that it may limit the resident’s ability to maintain personal hygiene.

Wall Condition
Any hole greater than two inches in diameter is not acceptable (previously 8 inches by 11 inches).

Security
For dwelling unit entrance, the door, door frame, door jamb, threshold or trim must not be damaged (e.g., splits, cracks, holes, rot, gaps, sagging, etc.) or have missing components.

For more information on the latest inspection requirements, download the updated edition of the CHA Inspection Guidebook.

RENTCafé Tips: Utilize Resource Centers for Computer Access 

To access RENTCafé, you need a Wi-Fi connected computer, tablet or smart phone. If you’re in need of computer access to conduct RENTCafé business, CHA has Digital Resource Centers, equipped with computers and Wi-Fi, that offer open computer time, technical help and special programs, and are open to CHA residents, including HCV participants, as well as everyone in the community. Click here to fill out a reservation form for any of the spaces below. There are nine (9) locations throughout the city:

Looking for guidance on using RENTCafé? Visit CHA’s website for guides, video tutorials and more.

CHA’s Resident Service Coordination Program supports older adults living in senior-designated buildings, with services provided by Metropolitan Family Services. Resident Services Coordinators (RSCs) can help you identify the assistance you may need, connect you with resources, and help organize social activities. For more information, contact the RSC in your building.

Please note: You must live in a senior building to be eligible for services.

For more information on CHA Senior Services, contact 312-742-8500.

“I grew up in public housing, so I know what access to safe and stable housing can mean for people. Chicago has a lot of work ahead, but there’s also a tremendous amount of opportunity right now, especially when it comes to strengthening core operations and investing in development on the South and West Sides. I’m ready to hit the ground running and work hand in hand with resident leaders, the City of Chicago, elected officials, CHA’s staff and Board, and every partner who cares about this mission. We’re going to focus on getting the basics right, expanding affordable housing, and making sure residents feel heard, respected, and supported. That’s the standard I’m holding myself to, and that’s the future I’m excited to build together.”

Click here to learn more about CEO Pettigrew as he begins his tenure at CHA.

Reliving or re-experiencing the event. You may have nightmares, flashbacks (where you feel like you’re reliving the event), or trauma reminders like places, sounds, or smells that cause distress.

Avoidance. You may avoid things, places, or people that remind you of the event. This might mean keeping busy to avoid thinking about the trauma or staying away from people because you feel it’s just easier to be alone.

Negative changes in feelings and beliefs. You may notice changes in the way you think about yourself and others, you might feel guilt or shame about the traumatic event or lose interest in things or people you used to enjoy.

Hyperarousal or being on guard. You may feel keyed up or on edge, have a difficult time focusing, or feel as if you are “on alert” for danger more often.

Visit www.ptsd.va.gov for more information, including understanding PTSD, treatment options, friends and family support, and more.

HCV Participant Webinar: Your Roadmap to Homeownership
Tuesday, June 9, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Click Here to Register

Explore the key steps to becoming a homeowner. This session will focus on the homebuying process, available resources, and guidance to help you prepare, plan, and move confidently toward your homeownership goals.

HCV Participant Webinar — Ensuring Equity: The Importance of Fair Housing Protections
Tuesday, June 23, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Click Here to Register

Hear from legal experts as they break down federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws. You’ll learn how to recognize potential violations, understand your rights and responsibilities, and how to support equitable housing practices in your community.

HCV Participant Webinar: Navigating Your Move with a Housing Choice Voucher
Tuesday, June 30, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Click Here to Register

Learn what to expect when planning a move with your Housing Choice Voucher. This session will provide a clear overview of the moving process, key deadlines, and required steps as well as helpful tips to help you prepare and transition into your new unit smoothly.

Please note: This is not a briefing, and you will not receive moving papers at this session.

To view the full list of upcoming events, visit thecha.org/hcvparticipantevents.

Webinar topics include:

• How to Search for Housing
• Education & Employment
• Tenants' Rights
• RENTCafé
• And more!

Click here to take advantage of all the educational resources that are available in the HCV Webinar Library.

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 Going Places? Find them under the HCV Resources menu on your RENTCafé dashboard at res-par.thecha.org.

Chicago Housing Authority | 60 E. Van Buren Street | Chicago, IL 60605