HCV Frequently Asked Questions

How does a family participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

As vouchers become available, CHA calls registered names from a waiting list and screens them for program eligibility. Families who meet the income guidelines and pass a criminal background check are issued vouchers. These vouchers allow them to have a portion of their rent paid by CHA and HUD (Dept. of Housing and Urban Development).

What is the cost to participate in the HCV program?

Nothing. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a government service provided free of charge. It is illegal for anyone to require money for ANY services provided by the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including obtaining a voucher, applying to or being placed on the waiting list.  If someone attempts to sell you a voucher, application or placement on the waiting list, notify CHA immediately by contacting the HCVP Fraud Hotline at 1.800.533.0441 immediately.

How can I get on the program waiting list?

At this time, the Waiting List is closed.  In 2008, the Chicago Housing Authority opened the lottery for the Chicago Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list.  The deadline to register was May 15, 2008.  All the names of individuals who completed the required questions and submitted a registration form between April 18 and May 15, 2008 were entered into an electronic lottery in which a computer randomly selected the names of 40,000 individuals and randomly assigned them a position on the Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list. 

If you did not register for the lottery between April 18 and May 15, 2008, your name was not added to the lottery and you are therefore not eligible for the waiting list or the voucher program. 

When will the waiting list re-open?

Currently, the CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list is closed with no future date to re-open the lottery determined. Public notice will be given if the waiting list re-opens.

How do I know if was selected for the waiting list?

Everyone who submitted a registration form for the lottery received a letter notifying them whether or not they had been placed on the waiting list.  The letter to the 40,000 individuals selected for the waiting list included a registration number. HCV program staff continues to review the list and screen applicants for program eligibility.  Those who meet the qualifications will be issued vouchers to search for a rental unit in the private market.

I am on the waiting list. How do I find out my status?

When a family’s application number reaches the top of the list, they are notified by mail. That is why it’s extremely important for families who are on the waiting list to alert HCV program staff in writing of any change of address each time they move.  For more information, call the HCV Customer Service Center at 312.935.2600.

Are there other affordable housing options?

Yes. Applicants that registered for the 2008 HCV wait list lottery were given the option to be placed on the project-based voucher waiting list, in addition to the tenant based Housing Choice Voucher program.  If selected for the lottery, those who indicated an interest in both are eligible for project-based assistance.

Project-based assistance is different in that you must live in a specific building in order to receive help in paying your rent. Initially you must live in the designated building to receive rental assistance, but after one year of occupancy, you may be eligible to receive a tenant-based voucher, if funding is available. 

The CHA also offers other affordable housing options in our senior properties.  To learn more about these options, visit our Housing page.  

How do Property Owners participate in the program?

Property Owners who have a property for rent should advertise and market it in the normal fashion. Voucher Holders will contact you directly if they are interested in your property.  If a family or individual with a voucher passes your screening process, then HCV program staff will call you to schedule an inspection. Property Owners can also begin the process by listing a property online.  A benefit to listing your property online is that potential tenants can view it via an online search of available properties.

Does the program screen families before issuing them vouchers?

Yes. Families and individuals must pass a criminal background check and meet income guidelines before they are issued vouchers. However, CHA strongly encourages Property Owners to personally screen all prospective tenants -- Voucher Holders and market-rate tenants alike.

Am I allowed to consult with a Voucher Holder’s previous landlord as part of my screening?

Yes. Property Owners may request the names and telephone numbers of previous landlords to assist with their screening process. These requests must be submitted in writing to one of the central or satellite HCV offices.

Why are units required to pass an inspection?

All units must pass annual inspections to make sure that they meet a minimum set of health and safety requirements established by HUD. The inspection process is based on the premise that government funds should not subsidize substandard housing and that all families regardless of their income have a right to live in housing that is safe, decent and sanitary.

How can I reach the Inspection Department directly?

The direct phone number for the inspection department is 312.895.2409. Inspections inquiries including scheduling/re-scheduling inspections, rent determination, and rent increase requests can be answered at this number.

How do I report fraud?

Should you become aware of any fraudulent activity by a CHA employee, participating Property Owner, or Voucher Holder), please report it to the CHA Fraud Hotline at 1.800.533.0441.  All reports are kept confidential.