CHA announces rent deferment for public housing residents
Press contacts:
Office of Communications – Chicago Housing Authority
Molly Sullivan: (312) 399-2105/(312)786-3344; msullivan@thecha.org
Matthew Aguilar: (312) 935-2646; maguilar@thecha.org
CHICAGO (April 1, 2020) – The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) today announced that residents of CHA-owned buildings can wait to pay rent until after the statewide Stay at Home order is lifted on May 1, as the agency continues to encourage residents to stay home and stay safe. CHA also will not issue any late rent notices during this period and reminds residents and others that CHA does not charge late fees for overdue rent.
The rent deferral applies to residents of CHA-owned buildings, including senior, family and scattered sites housing. While the rent deferral does not apply to voucher holders who live in privately-owned rental housing, CHA will be reaching out to property owners and landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher program to urge them to work with their tenants during this uncertain time.
“The well-being of CHA residents continues to be our highest priority,” said CHA Acting CEO James L. Bebley. “While today April 1st marks the usual rent payment date, CHA has let residents know that they can defer payments until after the Stay at Home order has been lifted. We are working to provide as much support as possible to resident during these very challenging times.”
CHA began notifying residents of the temporary rent deferment today and has also communicated the same information to its property management firms to ensure that residents and property managers are aligned on CHA’s decision.
The Agency has continued to provide information, resources and support for residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is renewing its efforts daily to provide the latest information to residents.
CHA continues to follow the lead of the Chicago Department of Public Health when it comes to COVID-19 and encourages everyone to check the City of Chicago’s Coronavirus Response Center for the latest updates by visiting http://www.chicago.gov/corona