Account Management
CHA primarily conducts business with HCV applicants, participants and property owners/managers via online portals, email and phone. While in-person appointments and paper forms are available by request, CHA encourages everyone to try the remote and paperless system first. Digital requests are more easily tracked, which limits repeat requests and therefore processing delays.
CHA’s primary account management tool for HCV participants is RENTCafé, where you can:
- View your family information, such as household members and income affiliated with the account.
- Access HCV Resources and read important news and announcements from CHA.
- View your inspection information, including appointments and high-level results.
- Complete your Re-Examination appointment (when it's time).
- Request an Interim when you experience changes in your household (loss of income, the addition/removal of a household member, etc.).
- And more
Ready to manage your account online? Click here to log in or see below for guides and videos to help you get started!
Events and Education
How to Use Online Resources in Your Housing Search
Tuesday, July 22, 1-2:30 p.m. | Learn More
Basics of the HCV Program
Tuesday, July 29, 1-2:30 p.m. | Learn More
The Ins and Outs of CHA Inspections
Tuesday, August 5, 1-2:30 p.m. | Learn More
A Guide to Financial Literacy
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1-2:30 p.m. | Learn More
Can't make a session or looking for a specific topic? There are dozens of on-demand webinars available online. Click here to view the most popular recordings of all our past sessions.
Have an idea about HCV Education and Events? We want to hear from you! Whether you've never attended one of our sessions before, or attend every week, share your suggestions. Click here to complete a short survey.
Forms & Documents
Expanding Opportunities in Housing
HCV Health and Wellness Program
Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form
The Ins and Outs of Porting into Chicago
Guides and Videos
HCV Applicants: How to Register for RENTCafé
HCV At a Glance Flyer | HCV en resumen
How to Complete Your Upcoming Online Re-Examination Appointment
How to Report Household Changes Using RENTCafé
Participant Pocket Guide | Guía de Bolsillo para el Participante
Video: How to Complete Your Upcoming Re-Examination Online
Video: How to Register for a RENTCafé Account
Webinar: How to Navigate RENTCafé
Newsletter for HCV Participants — Going Places
Going Places, the HCV Program’s participant newsletter delivered via email each March, June, September and December, includes information on CHA policy changes, available resources, daily life tips, upcoming events, educational opportunities, and more.
Note: If you do not currently receive the e-newsletter directly in your inbox, please contact CHA to add a personal email to your account. Just remember, if possible, the email you put on file should be your own, since CHA also uses it for sensitive account-related information.
Check out the latest issues below:
Going Places Q2 2025 – Spanish
Going Places Q1 2025 – Spanish
Going Places Q4 2024 - Spanish
Going Places Q3 2024 - Spanish
Looking for previous issues of Going Places? Log in to your RENTCafé account and click on 'HCV Resources' from your dashboard.