Are you having trouble accessing your HCV Owner Portal account? Here are a few troubleshooting tips!



• Make sure you are eligible to create an account. You must have at least one vendor number and an email on file with CHA for that vendor number.
• Double-check your password and reset if needed. If you can't remember your password, select 'Forgot your password' on the portal homepage. You'll receive an email with instructions for resetting your password.
• Ensure you are using the correct email address when logging in to your account. If you normally receive emails from CHA to a certain email address, that is likely the email address associated with your HCV Owner Portal account. However, if you're still unsure of what email address is affiliated with your account, contact the CHA Customer Call Center at 312-935-2600 to confirm.

For more troubleshooting tips as well as information on managing your account, view our HCV Owner Portal FAQs.

Property owners often ask ... "How does HCV Program enforcement work?"

While CHA is not a party to the lease between property owners and HCV participant families, CHA's Program Integrity Department will investigate any reported or identified violations of Family Obligations.

Family Obligations are rules and guidelines that HCV participant families must follow in order to receive rental assistance from CHA. These rules and guidelines are considered contractual obligations and apply to all members of the household. The head of household must review and sign the Family Obligations when joining the HCV Program. If participant families violate the Family Obligations, CHA may terminate their rental assistance.

There are a total of 40 Family Obligations, including but not limited to:

• Supply accurate information to CHA.
• Attend informational briefings and required appointments such as Re-Examinations and inspections.
• Refrain from criminal activity in the family’s unit, building or neighborhood.
• Notify the CHA and the property owner in writing at least 30 days before moving out of the unit or terminating the lease.

To review the full list, see pages 126-129 in CHA's Property Owner Guidebook.

Once complaints and cases regarding violations are escalated to the Program Integrity Department, they will gather more information and the following program enforcement actions may be taken:

• Dismiss the case.
• Issue a verbal or written warning to the family/property owner.
• Hold a meeting with the family/property owner to discuss prohibited activities and proper conduct and sign agreements.
• Move to terminate the voucher assistance or HAP Contract.

CHA will issue an Intent to Terminate (ITT) notice if the family’s violations exceed the threshold of severity (or as required by HUD). Once an ITT has been issued, the HCV participant family has the right to request an Informal Hearing within 30 days. If an Informal Hearing is requested, a Hearing Officer will review CHA’s decision to propose termination and determine if it's in accordance with CHA policies, HUD regulations and the law.

The Hearing Officer will make a decision within 30 days, and the family will receive a notice that indicates either termination from the HCV Program or reinstatement (with or without conditions).

If the family does not request an Informal Hearing, their rental assistance will terminate as listed on the notice (typically 60 days from the notice issuance date).

If you have evidence of a participant family or other property owner violating HCV Program regulations, notify CHA immediately at hcv@thecha.org.

Reminder: Timeline for Processing Rent Increase Requests 

If you're considering submitting a rent increase request to CHA, make sure you're giving the HCV participant family proper notice as required by the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance. The amount of notice depends on how long the family has resided in the unit:

• If the family has lived in the unit for less than 3 years, you must notify them 60 days prior to the desired effective date.
• If the family has lived in the unit for over 3 years, you must notify them 120 days prior to the effective date.

When you're ready to request a rent increase, you must submit it via the HCV Owner Portal. Simply log in, click on 'Finance' within the site menu and select ‘Request a Rent Increase’. CHA will then review and either approve or deny the request within 30 days of receipt.

Did you know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)? October was declared DVAM by congress in 1989 and is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence affects approximately 10 million people in the United States every year. If you or a loved one are in need of domestic violence services and support, there are organizations in Chicago that can provide aid, including:

Chicago Office on Domestic Violence

Information, Options, Counseling, Legal and Shelter Services

chi.gov/dvhelp | 877-863-6338

Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC)

1116 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651

cawc.org | 773-489-9081

Family Rescue

8811 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617

familyrescueinc.org | 773-375-1918

Metropolitan Family Services

101 N. Wacker Drive, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606

metrofamily.org | 312-986-4000

The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence

33 N. Dearborn Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL 60602

the-network.org | 312-527-0730

Did you miss any of the 2024 CHA Owner Symposium? Don't worry, we have you covered! You'll be able to access OS24 content, including on-demand session recordings through October 31.

Resources & Support for Domestic Violence Victims

Tuesday, October 15, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Join us as we discuss the legal protections that are in place for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. This session will also cover how to recognize signs of abuse and best approaches for friends/family looking to safely support victims.

Winter Preparedness

Tuesday, November 12, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now

Does your winter checklist need some work? Join us to learn tips and tricks for making sure you’re healthy and safe this winter. From energy efficiency to mental health, our experts will discuss how to set up both your mind and home for success.

OS24 Webinar Series — Lease Writing 101

Thursday, November 14, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Register Now

Your lease lays the groundwork for property management, so it’s important to make sure all terms and conditions are clearly defined. A well-written lease will protect you as a housing provider and help build a strong relationship with your tenant. This session will cover an overview of the clauses and agreements to include in your lease agreement to ensure a smooth tenancy.  

OS24 Webinar Series — Communication and Mediation: The Key to Having a Healthy Relationship with Your Tenant

Thursday, December 12, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Register Now

Like any relationship, it takes work. Hear from a panel of experts as they discuss helpful ways to handle disputes and effectively communicate with your tenant and best practices for navigating the landlord-tenant relationship successfully.

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:

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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.