We hope you enjoy this new e-newsletter format! |
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Message from Chief HCV Officer Cheryl L. Burns |
Greetings from CHA, where we have been hard at work preparing for summer, where the only thing busier than our youth participants (who are busy participating in a variety of CHA-coordinated educational and workforce programs), is our HCV Program staff as we kick off leasing season!
If you have gone through our moves process in the past two years, you’ll notice that we’ve implemented a variety of remote business practices, and fine-tuned our early-stage communication strategies, to ensure that property owners coming on to the program have the tools and information they need to succeed. In the face of an unpredictable housing market, we appreciate your continued partnership and value your feedback as we continue to adapt our practices to meet this moment.
In this re-formatted edition of Owner News, you will find even more information about our online, on-demand educational resources, plus reminders on incorporating sustainability into your properties and managing lead-based paint hazards. Plus, don’t forget to save the date for our third virtual Symposium Week, returning September 2022!
From all of us at CHA, we wish you a safe, fun, and happy summer season.
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You can submit a variety of documents, such as signed HAP Contracts and utility addendums, leases, lease renewals, and inspection forms through the Owner Portal!
Simply visit chahcvportal.org, log in and hover over the MY ACCOUNT menu to click on ‘Document Center’.
- Select the appropriate vendor account, type in the tenant name and affiliated voucher number (if applicable) and select the document type from the drop down.
- Then attach your document(s) and include any notes relevant to your submission.
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Finally, click the ‘Submit’ button to finish. The document will be sent to the appropriate department.
Looking for fillable forms? Click on the RESOURCES menu to find everything you need to do business with the HCV Program.
Note: RTA packets and Rent Increase Request forms are unique and have their own submission process, under the MOVES menu and FINANCE menu, respectively.
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HCV Webinars, Live and On-Demand |
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As of June 2022, housing providers can watch “Get Started with the HCV Program” on-demand! During this 45-minute session, we review what you need to know to succeed as a property owner in the HCV Program, including what to do when a participant family is interested in your unit (or when you buy a property with existing HCV participant tenants).
Have briefing-related questions, or want to request a 1:1 consultation? Our HCV Owner Outreach team is here to help. Email owneroutreach@thecha.org for assistance (y también ofrecemos estos servicios en español)!
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Looking for more HCV education? Join CHA for semi-monthly live webinars, or watch session recordings on-demand.
Upcoming sessions include:
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As a housing provider in Chicago, you’ve probably heard a lot about lead-based paint and the regulations in place to prevent renters from suffering harmful effects of exposure. While lead is toxic to all people, it’s especially dangerous for children (and developing fetuses) as it can have serious effects on the brain, kidneys and nervous systems during critical development stages. Furthermore, children are more likely to ingest lead-based hazards as they often put their hands, and other contaminated objects, in their mouths.
As a housing provider, what can you do? If your property was built before 1978 (and has not been subsequently remediated and certified as lead free), take precautionary measures and educate your tenants on how to identify and manage lead hazards, including, but not limited to:
- Preventing and reporting peeling or chipping paint, including dried paint dust.
- Properly cleaning and disposing of household dust, especially if it accumulates on or around painted surfaces.
- Keeping children from chewing on painted surfaces, such as windowsills, railings, trim, molding, etc.
Don’t know when your property was built? Check your property tax records (under Property Characteristics).
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Go Green and Celebrate Earth
We may celebrate Earth Day in April, but every day is a good occasion to care for our environment and promote sustainability in our communities. Here are a few tips on how you can help, as a housing provider!
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Get familiar with what you can and cannot recycle through Chicago’s Blue Cart and Drop-off Center Program, and distribute helpful information to your tenants and neighbors.
- Consider planting a clover lawn or other hardy non-grass perennial groundcover for better drought tolerance, improved soil quality and lower maintenance. Remember, the Chicago area is in plant hardiness zone 5b-6a, so plant accordingly!
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Pick up a free tree sapling from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (open weekly from April – October), and plant it where it will grow to provide shade to the property.
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Request a free tree to be planted in the property’s parkway from the Chicago Bureau of Forestry by calling 3-1-1 of visiting 311.chicago.gov (requests can take up to a year).
- Don’t neglect annual maintenance! Take the time every year to ensure the systems and appliances on your properties are running efficiently. Sealing drafts, cleaning sensors, tightening connections and otherwise ensuring all building elements are operating properly goes a long way to saving energy, and consequently, money.
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Check out local energy savings and rebate programs that can help you install and save on energy efficient products.
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Illinois Primary Elections – June 28, 2022
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Are you ready for the Illinois Primary elections? It’s not too late to register to vote or request a mail-in ballot. Plus, early voting is open now!
Visit ChicagoElections.gov today to register to vote, update your voter registration, find your polling place, review your sample ballot and more.
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Message from the Office of the Inspector General |
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The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) ensures that violations, as they relate to CHA residents, employees, contractors, subcontractors or any entity receiving funds from CHA, are investigated and prosecuted.
As a HCV property owner, if you have any information regarding fraud in your dealings with tenants, CHA employees or CHA contractors, you are encouraged to report this information to the OIG. Immediate reporting, while facts are still fresh in your mind, is helpful. Complaints can be kept confidential.
If you have any information relating to fraud or unethical activity within or affecting the Chicago Housing Authority, contact the OIG:
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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? Visit the Owner Portal, log in and click on the 'RESOURCES' tab.
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