HQS INSPECTION CHANGES FOR INFESTATION ISSUES
CHA has implemented updated guidance for monitoring and complying with infestation issues in HCV units. As such, Section 8.3. Evidence of Infestation will be modified in the next edition of the HQS Inspection Guidebook.
To ensure a unit is safe and habitable for HCV participant families, it must be free of infestation or evidence of infestation (i.e., dead or live pests, droppings, shed skins, chewed holes) as well as any accumulation of trash, garbage or other debris that may harbor rodents, pests or vermin.
If the unit fails an HQS inspection due to infestation or evidence of infestation, it is the property owner's responsibility to correct the deficiency. Therefore, property owners are encouraged to establish and maintain a safe and effective extermination program for the control of pests and to promote the health and well-being of the family by submitting a third-party Pest Management Plan that includes the following:
- Start and End Date
- The Identified Pest(s)
- Servicing Routine Schedule
- Treatment and Follow-up Plan
- An Established Extermination Company
In addition, property owners now have an extended period to correct the deficiency if infestation is still present during the re-inspection or if there is evidence of the participant's living conditions contributing to the infestation. However, they must submit a Non Weather-Related Extension request to CHA along with their third-party Pest Management Plan. If approved, property owners will have an additional 30 days and 60 days, respectively, and the re-inspection fee will be waived.
REMINDER: MARKET ANALYSIS AND COMPARABLES
Before submitting a rent increase request or Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) packet, it is vital that property owners have a clear understanding of the market, including comparable units in the area, and use this to determine the 'Requested Rent' or 'Asking Rent' amount.
Remember, the best comparable units are:
- Within a 1-mile radius of the property (the closer, the better).
- Unsubsidized (i.e., market rate) and leased within the last year.
- The same property type (single-family, duplex, high rise, etc.).
- The same unit size (number of bedrooms).
- The same utility responsibilities.
If you have comparable unit data that you want CHA to consider during the rent determination process, it must be submitted to AffordableHousing.com prior to or at the same time as the rent increase request or RTA packet submission.
Click here for a tutorial on how to add comparable units to AffordableHousing.com.
Note: CHA will review all viable comparables; however, there is no guarantee that what you submit will be used in determining the Contract Rent amount for the unit.
HCV HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
The Chicago Housing Authority's HCV Health and Wellness Program aims to help HCV participants and their household members focus on their overall health and well-being with personalized services such as case management, care coordination, individual and family therapy and access to community-based resources. In addition, the program offers general resources and information on how HCV property owners and managers can provide support to their tenants who may be experiencing challenges.
For more information, including who to contact to refer an HCV participant to the HCV Health and Wellness Program team, see the HCV Health and Wellness Program Flyer.