Note from the Chief HCV Officer, Cheryl L. Burns What do you think about Owner News as a monthly e-newsletter? We hope you are enjoying the new format and find the information useful as you navigate the ins and outs of the HCV Program. Each issue includes a short how-to, an answer to a common question and a timely program reminder ... plus links to news you may have missed and helpful resources.

How to View Inspection Information on the HCV Owner Portal

Did you know you can view inspection results and appointments through the HCV Owner Portal? It's simple ... just log in to your account and click on Inspection Results or Inspection Appointments under the INSPECTIONS menu. From there, you'll be able to see whether an inspection passed or failed (under the "Last Result" column) as well as the dates of any upcoming scheduled inspections.   Don't have an active Portal account? No worries! In addition to the HCV Owner Portal, HQS inspection information can also be viewed on the CHA Inspections Portal (no login required). There, you can look up results and/or appointments using the Inspection ID (and Tenant Last Name), Tenant ID (i.e., voucher #) or Vendor ID (i.e., owner #). Note: You must schedule a re-inspection for any failed initial inspection within 14 days. If you fail to schedule the re-inspection, your unit will be denied the move-in.

FAQ Corner: Pest Control

Property owners often ask ... “What can I do to manage pests and prevent them from damaging my property?”

Pests pose health risks to you and your tenants. They can even cause damage to your property. And, dealing with them can be a headache. That's why it's important to be proactive and take the necessary steps to manage them as soon as possible. Below is some information to help you with pest management.

Know Your Responsibilities Did you know that property owners are responsible for eliminating pests from the unit? Property owners must keep their units habitable. If a tenant brings any pest-related issues to your attention, it's your responsibility to take the appropriate action to remove the pests. Identify Pests Knowing what kind of pest your dealing with is key to the removal process as there are many different types of treatment options. Common pests include rats, cockroaches, fruit flies, wasps and ants. Hire a Pest Control Service Professional pest management companies often have access to more effective pesticides and management tools. Make sure to do proper research and screening before hiring a company. You might even find the right company for you by asking your neighbors, friends or family members for recommendations. Safety First When pesticides are being applied, make sure the area is cleared of children and pets. Read and follow pesticide label instructions very carefully. Only use chemicals approved for in-home use. Safely dispose and store any leftover pesticides after use. Talk to Your Tenants about Cleanliness Food, water and clutter can attract pests. Encourage your tenants to store food properly, reduce clutter in the unit and take the garbage out regularly. Inspect during Unit Turnover Unit turnover time is not only an opportunity for deep cleaning but also a great time to inspect for pests. This will ensure your unit is move-in ready for new tenants as well. Take Proactive Measures Consider regular monthly or seasonal treatments. Caulk cracks and crevices in the unit where pests can enter and hide. Replacing weather stripping and patching exterior holes can also prevent pests from entering your unit. For more information about how to safely and effectively prevent and remove invasive bugs, rodents and other pests, watch Practical Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Unwanted Visitors, one of over a dozen HCV Webinars that are available on-demand.

Reminder: Chicago Heat Ordinance Effective Today The Department of Buildings enforces the Chicago Building Code. This includes the Chicago Heat Ordinance, which mandates that during cold weather months property owners/managers must supply heat to rental units or to any unit where property owners do not have individual control of heat. From September 15 – June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.  A property owner/manager can face fines up to $500 per day, per violation for each day they do not supply adequate heat. The reason for the lack of heat does not matter. Property owners/managers must follow the law and residences must be heated regardless.

Upcoming Events

New Owner Bootcamp Tuesday, September 26, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Register Now Are you new to the HCV Program? This event is your one-stop shop for everything HCV! Join us in person at the FIC to learn the ins and outs of the Program, including how to get started, the rent determination process, HQS inspections and HCV Program enforcement.

CHA has expanded the Owner Symposium to now include monthly online education opportunities. From June to November 2023, the Symposium Webinar Series will cover six (6) timely and targeted topics you normally expect from the annual event.

Creating Equal Access to Housing Thursday, September 21, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Register Now Did you know that housing providers are legally obliged to follow fair housing laws? Join us to learn about the many fair housing protections that are in place to prevent discrimination and ensure everyone has equal access to housing. This session will also cover what you need to do to make sure you’re in accordance with the law. ​ ​Building on Good Bones: A Guide to Property Maintenance and Rehab (Rescheduled from July) Thursday, October 12, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Register Now Do you have a good foundation and want to maintain it? Are you looking to make home renovations? Join us to learn best practices for managing property maintenance and rehab projects, including the responsibilities of a project manager, hiring of construction managers/contractors, and the stages of project planning.​ ​ ​ Evictions ... Finding a Path Forward for Housing Providers Thursday, October 19, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Register Now If you’re making the difficult decision to evict your tenant, there are many rules and regulations you have to follow as a property owner in the city of Chicago. Learn from a legal expert about the necessary steps in the evictions process including notices, documentation, court dates and more. ​ ​ Fostering Relationships to Secure Long-Term Tenancy Thursday, November 16, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Register Now Fostering strong relationships with your tenants is an essential component in successful property management. This session will cover starting the relationship off on the right foot, effective communications and proactive problem solving that will make your tenants want to stay for the long haul! ​

Tips for Landlord-Tenant Conflict Resolution

How's your relationship with your tenant? Having a positive landlord-tenant relationship is mutually beneficial and can even help you create long-term tenancy. Here are some tips to put your best foot forward and create a great relationship with your tenant. Communication. Like any healthy relationship, communication is key. Make sure your expectations are clearly stated and any questions from your tenant are thoroughly answered from the start. It's also helpful to establish your preferred method of contact. Is email the best way to reach you? Or do you prefer texting? Let your tenant know. This will help prevent any misunderstandings or miscommunications down the line. Keep it professional. Be respectful of each other and don’t let emotions hinder positive interactions with your tenant. Becoming angry or upset will only prevent both parties from accomplishing the goal and resolving the conflict. Listen to the tenant’s side of the situation. There may be a good reason that the tenant hasn’t paid the rent. He or she could have a lost a job, experienced a medical emergency, or recently dealt with an unforeseen expense. It’s possible that the tenant is struggling to make ends meet. Bring in a mediator. If you're not able to resolve your issues with a tenant on your own, a professional mediator can provide some guidance on conflict resolution. Enforce the lease. Take a look at the lease agreement that was signed by the tenant. Are there policies or procedures outlined regarding late payment or unpaid rent? Property owners should be consistent with what is stated in the lease as this is a legally binding document. The lease is the first opportunity for the property owner to specify requirements, expectations and other necessary clarifications in writing, with the tenant’s signature to solidify the agreement. It's important to keep in mind that CHA does not get involved in lease enforcement-related conflicts as it is not a party to the lease. A lease is a contract between the property owner and the tenant. So, what is CHA’s role? If a landlord-tenant conflict indicates that a violation of the HCV Family Obligations may have occurred, CHA will investigate. HCV Family Obligations are the terms of the contract between CHA and HCV participant family (including anyone listed on the voucher as well as any guests that may visit the unit). If a participant family violates any of the HCV Family Obligations, it can result in termination from the Program. CHA reviews HCV Family Obligation violations on a case-by-case basis. To view a full list of the HCV Family Obligations, please reference pages 126-129 in CHA's Property Owner Guidebook.

Resources for Property Owners

HCV Webinars are available on-demand! Dozens of recorded sessions are available for you to watch anytime, including Getting Started with the HCV Program, How to Complete Common CHA Forms and Packets,  Energy Efficiency and Utility Assistance and many, many more!

We want to hear from you! Especially if you’ve never attended one of our educational sessions before ... please take a minute to share what you'd like to see from HCV education and events. TAKE THE SURVEY

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: HUD Announces Funding to Support Energy Efficiency and Climate Resilience in Multifamily Assisted Housing Properties City Extends Delivery Program To Bring Food To Homebound Austin Neighbors Rebuilding a community: Initiative builds affordable homes on empty lots on South and West sides

Bookmark some of our other favorite online resources Affordability Calculator (for non-Mobility area units): chahcvportal.org under the MOVES menu. Check your inspection appointments and results: chainspections.org Search the interactive Mobility Area Map: thecha.org/mobility and scroll to the bottom. Add comparable units to CHA's rent reasonableness database: affordablehousing.com (free account required), log in and click COMPARABLES in the left-hand menu. View/download HAP Statements or submit a rent increase request: chahcvportal.org under the FINANCE menu.

Thanks for Reading

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 chahcvportal.org under RESOURCES.

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