If you need additional time to make certain repairs following a failed inspection, there are instances in which CHA may grant an extension.



There are two types of inspection extensions: Weather-Related (granted only for inspections that are conducted November – February when the weather prevents property owners from correcting certain external violations) and Non-Weather Related (granted when extraordinary circumstances exist that prevent property owners from completing the repair, including difficulty receiving parts or a delay by the utility provider).

If you need to request an extension, you can do so directly on the HCV Owner Portal in just a few easy steps:

1. Click on Resources within the site menu. Under the ‘HQS Inspection Forms’ column, select Inspection Extension Request to download the form (fillable PDF).
2. Complete the form in its entirety and save it on your device.
3. Click on 'My Account' within the site menu and select Document Center from the drop-down list.
4. Select the appropriate vendor account, list the tenant name/affiliated voucher number (if applicable) and select ‘Inspection Extension Request’ as the document type.
5. Attach your completed request form and include any notes relevant to your submission.
6. Click the ‘Submit’ button to finish. The form will be sent directly to the Inspections Department.

CHA will respond in writing with either an approval or denial within five (5) business days. If denied, the property owner has 30 days from the date that the inspection occurred to correct the problem or CHA will abate the HAP.

Note: Remember to select the correct extension type when completing the form! You'll be asked to select either Weather-Related or Non-Weather Related as a request type.

Big news! CHA's redesigned, mobile friendly website and streamlined waitlist application process are now live!

Along with a new look, simplified navigation and an enhanced search experience were added to help you quickly access the information you need to be a success partner in the HCV Program, including inspections guidance, lease management, valuable resources and property owner support.

If you haven't done so already, check out the new site today at thecha.org.

Property owners often ask ... "What can I do to protect my property during inclement winter weather?"

Winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable but there are many precautions you can take to set up your property and tenants for a healthy and successful winter season. Check out some winter management tips below:

Monitor the Weather

If inclement weather is the forecast, check in with your tenants to see if there are any maintenance needs. If frigid temperatures are expected, advising your tenants to trickle cold water from the facets can help prevent pipes from bursting and causing major property damage.

Check the Heat

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 tenants do not have individual control of the 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.

Have a Snow Removal Plan

Depending on the amount of properties you own, you may want to consider hiring a professional snow removal service. If you plan on managing snow removal yourself, just make sure you have the proper equipment and supplies such as a snow blower and salt.

Inspect Your Property

See if any maintenance projects need to be done. Items to look out for include clogged gutters and any gaps or cracks in the property exterior. It's also important to check your HVAC system to ensure it's working properly.

Submitting HCV paperwork to the correct place is key for ensuring that it's processed in a timely matter. Below are some of the most common HCV documents along with the submission instructions for each one.

Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) Packet

For existing HCV property owners who have a CHA vendor #, you must submit RTA packets directly on the HCV Owner Portal. After you log in to your account, click on 'Moves' within the site menu and select 'Upload my RTA' from the drop-down list.

If you are a new property owner (don't currently have a CHA Vendor #), you must submit RTA packets via email to ownerinfo@thecha.org. Note: Submission to any other CHA email address or inclusion of other CHA email addresses in the To: or CC: line will only delay processing.

Reminder: RTA packets cannot be dropped off in person.

Change of Ownership/Management Packet

Current property owners can submit the packet in its entirety on the HCV Owner Portal. Click on ‘My Account’ within the site menu and select Document Center from the drop-down list. New property owners can click here to download the packet from the CHA website and submit it via email to ownerservices@thecha.org.

HCV Tax Savings Program Application

This form cannot be submitted electronically by email or fax. Once complete, it must be notarized and mailed to the CHA address listed on the first page (mail the original and keep a copy for your records). Click here for more information.

Inspection Extension Request

The completed form must be submitted via email to hcvpinspections@thecha.org along with any supporting documentation. Reference the 'How to Request an Inspection Extension on the HCV Owner Portal' article in this newsletter for more information.

Rent Increase Requests

Rent Increase Requests must be submitted 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.

When in doubt, double-check the form instructions! You can also contact the Owner Services Department at ownerinfo@thecha.org if you have any questions.

National Diabetes Month is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the resilience of those affected by diabetes. An estimated 136 million Americans have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Diabetes is an ongoing condition that occurs when your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or when your body can't properly use insulin. Your body needs insulin to regulate blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. Without proper insulin production, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to a variety of health issues including damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.

For more information, including life with diabetes and ways to help, visit www.diabetes.org.

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:

• South Shore Neighbors Vote In Favor Of Housing Protections
• The Cities Project Mentors Youth from Chicago’s Low Income Neighborhoods
• It's Official: Logan Square is One of the Coolest Neighborhoods in the World

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.