Have you checked out CHA's redesigned website yet? If the answer is no, make sure to visit thecha.org today to see what's new!

Once on the site, you'll notice that the main menu navigation has been tailored specifically for different types of clients. As a housing provider, you'll simply click on the 'Property Owners' link within the menu bar and select the title that best fits your relationship with CHA.

Manage Properties I Own

Current HCV property owners can access information and online tools to help manage their HCV property such as tips for lease management, inspections, rent increase requests, the HCV Owner Portal, the Change of Ownership/Management process (should you sell your property or contract with a new management company), HCV resources and dedicated property owner support.

Become a CHA Property Owner

Prospective HCV property owners and those interested in learning more about the HCV Program at CHA can access general information, view the different pathways to success and learn more about the many benefits of renting to HCV participants, including potential tax savings and incentive payments for first-time HCV property owners.

In addition, there is now a dedicated Property Owner Support page that includes contact information for the Owner Services Department, a form to schedule an in-person appointment with staff, guidelines for using the HCV Owner Portal and many other resources for Chicago housing providers (i.e., events and education, featured webinars, forms, documents and guidebooks, links to the latest issues of Owner News). New tools are added as they become available so bookmark the Resources for Property Owners page for future reference!

Property owners often ask ... "How I can manage my HCV account online?" CHA has many online tools that give you access to personalized program information and transactions 24/7 through your internet-connected device. No need to call the CHA Customer Call Center​, wait for an email response or come by the office. The online tools below can help make managing your HCV account easier and more efficient:

HCV Owner Portal

From finances to inspections, the HCV Owner Portal is the ultimate tool! Registered property owners can use the HCV Owner Portal to:

• Change contact and direct deposit information
• Submit documents and requests
• View inspection appointments and results
• Request inspection extensions and submit self-certification of HQS inspection compliance
• Download financial statements and resources
• Track in-progress moves
• Find out if your unit is affordable for an HCV participant using the Affordability Calculator tool
• and more!

AffordableHousing.com

Once a property owner submits a Request for Tenancy (RTA) packet or requests a rent increase through the HCV Owner Portal, CHA will conduct a rent reasonableness study and look at comparable units to determine whether or not the property owner’s asking rent is reasonable. This is why it's key for property owners to know the market!

Property owners can use AffordableHousing.com to pull comparable unit data from dozens of reliable, verifiable sources and submit their own unit data for review. A free account is required and creating one is easy! Just visit AffordableHousing.com and click 'Sign up' in the upper right corner of the homepage.

Remember: 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 or at the same time as the RTA packet submission or rent increase request.

HCV Webinars via GoToWebinar

Did you know CHA offers educational webinars throughout the year? These sessions are hosted on GoToWebinar. Whether you attend live or watch the session recordings at a later time in the HCV Webinar Library, utilizing the HCV Webinars via GoToWebinar can help you learn more about the HCV Program, leasing, property management and general best practices for owning rental property in the city of Chicago. Some of the recent topics include:

• Mental Health
• Tenant Screening
• HQS Inspections
• Lease Writing
• Completing HCV Paperwork

Visit gotostage.com/channel/chahcvowners to access dozens of webinar recordings that can be viewed on demand. Or, for a list of upcoming live sessions, click here.

Experience all that Chicago has to offer this holiday season by checking out some of the city festivities below:

Go ice skating. There are many seasonal ice rinks in parks throughout the city including Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park and Mount Greenwood Park.

Catch the holiday train. Put some cheer in your commute by taking the CTA Holiday Train! These festive trains are decorated with lights and led by Santa and his reindeer at the very front of the train on a flatbed. If you prefer to take the bus, there's a CTA Holiday Bus too! Visit www.transitchicago.com/holidayfleet to see the holiday transit schedule.

Take in the lights. Check out some dazzling light displays such as the Zoolights at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lightscape at the Botanic Garden and the Light of Christmas Drive Thru at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry also hosts the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit which showcases the traditions of Hanukah, Kwanza, Chinese New Year and more.

Visit a holiday market. If you're looking for gifts for friends and loved ones, consider going to a holiday market. Visiting a holiday market is not only festive, but it's also a great way to support local artists! Check out some of the local holiday markets below:

Holiday Artisan Marketplace

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611

Saturdays & Sundays, November 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025

The Christkindlmarket

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602

November 22 – December 24

RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

November 22 – December 24

State Street Holiday Market

35 S. State St, Chicago, IL 60603

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Now – December 18

Emergency Re-Inspections

If a unit fails a regular, complaint or quality control inspection for a life-threatening deficiency, a re-inspection will be scheduled within 24 hours of the original inspection. If life-threatening deficiencies remain unresolved after the re-inspection, abatement of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) may occur (for any deficiencies that are the responsibility of the property owner).

Examples of life-threatening deficiencies include:

• Major plumbing leaks, a water-logged ceiling or a floor in imminent danger of falling
• Natural or propane gas leaks or fuel oil leaks
• Any electrical problem or condition that could result in shock or fire
• Utilities (i.e., gas, water or electric) not in service
• Conditions that present the imminent likelihood of injury

Reference pages 24-25 of the HQS Inspection Guidebook for more information.

The cold months of winter can have a major impact on emotional and physical health ... causing feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, oversleeping, and changes in appetite. These mood and behavior changes can often feel overwhelming. But there are things you can do to help beat the winter blues and improve your health.

Plan Activities — These can be social, such as an outing with friends, or physical, such as exercising. Not only will this help you stay active, but it will also give you something to look forward to, which is great for your mental health. Physical activity can help regulate your mood and boost your energy levels.

Prioritize Sleep — Sleep deficiency can cause anxiety, depression, and irritability. Adults need at least seven (7) hours of sleep a night to support good health. Plus, a consistent sleep schedule can even help improve your overall brain performance.

Get the Right Nutrition — Did you know your gut and brain are physically linked and can send signals to each other? Mindful eating can help improve your brain function. Focus on foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals (i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole grains).

Talk about Your Feelings — Express what you’re going through to friends and loved ones. This can help you feel less alone and more connected to the people in your life. You can also talk to a trained mental health professional who can help tailor treatment options to your needs.

Practice Mindfulness — Activities such as yoga and meditation can help clear the mind and create a calm atmosphere. Getting in touch with your mind and body can help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety.

Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

Tuesday, December 17, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs when seasons change. Hear from a mental health expert on ways to manage this change in mood and behavior. 

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 of Chicago Announces Citywide Community Input Sessions
• CHA Board Passes $1.3 billion 2025 Budget
• Bronzeville Trail Project Gets $900K Grant From Mellon Foundation

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.