Property Owners

Property Owners and managers are integral in making the Chicago Housing Choice Voucher Program a success.  In exchange for quality affordable housing options, Property Owners receive a number of benefits for participation, including lower vacancy rates, tenant stability, free annual property inspections and eligibility for a reduction in property taxes.

HCVP encourages Property Owners to screen Voucher Holders for suitability as they would any other potential tenant.  Property Owners also have the right to require a security deposit, collect rent, and enforce the provisions of their lease, including settling disputes with tenants and evicting those who violate the lease.

Property Owner Orientation

The HCVP encourages attendance at a Property Owner Orientation meeting.  There you will learn about the Chicago Housing Choice Voucher Program rules, regulations, and procedures. 

For more information on Property Owner Orientation sessions, CLICK HERE >

Marketing Your Property to HCVP Voucher Holders

Property Owners can market their property to Voucher Holders by registering it in the CHA’s online database or listing it at the HCVP’s offices.  To ensure your property is marketed to the largest audience, it is best to register it online and at all HCVP office locations.  Advertisements in area newspapers are also suggested to reach even more Voucher Holders.

Please note:

• HCVP does not require Property Owners to register the property in order to lease to a Voucher Holder.
• Registering your property with the HCVP does not guarantee acceptance into the voucher program.

To register online or post a property, CLICK HERE >
For a listing of HCV Program Offices, CLICK HERE >

Leasing Your Property to a Voucher Holder

After a Voucher Holder and Property Owner meet to view the unit, the Property Owner performs the screening and application process.  If the Family successfully passes, the Voucher Holder provides the RTA form (Request for Tenancy Approval) to the Property Owner who in turn completes it.  Upon completion of the RTA, either the Voucher Holder or Property Owner may mail or bring the RTA to the HCVP office.  The CHA’s receipt of the RTA prompts the inspection process for the property.

The unit must pass the inspection and be approved by the HCVP before it can be leased to a Voucher Holder.  The inspection process is designed to ensure that subsidized housing meets a minimum set of health and safety standards established by the federal government. Generally, the Property Owner will receive a call to set up the appointment for the initial inspection within three (3) to five (5) business days after the HCVP receives the RTA.

To assist Property Owners in preparing units and expediting the inspection process, HCVP provides a self-inspection checklist. After the unit passes inspection, the rent is reviewed and determined to make sure it is reasonable as compared to similar unassisted units in the neighborhood. 

The final step in this process involves the Property Owner signing a lease with the Voucher Holder and a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with HCVP.  The HAP contract is the legal relationship between HCVP and the Property Owner.  This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party under the voucher program. HCVP’s responsibility to the Property Owner is to make monthly payments on the Family’s behalf in a timely manner.  The Property Owner’s responsibility is to abide by landlord/tenant laws and keep the unit in good condition.

Downloads:

Resource Guide for Property Owners and Managers
Housing Assistance Payments Contract (HAP Contract)
Housing Choice Voucher Program Family Obligations
Reporting Program Fraud Form (2 pages, including instructions)