Chicago Property Management Blog

1. They know the local laws and regulations. Property managers in Chicago are familiar with the city's rental laws and regulations, including those related to security deposits, rent increases, and evictions. They can help ensure your property is compliant and avoid potential legal issues.2. They can handle tenant screening and selection. Property managers have experience screening tenants and can check their references and cre...

If you own rental property in Cook County, you are likely familiar with the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) and the inspections they conduct to ensure properties meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS). HACC inspects properties that are part of the Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, to guarantee they are safe, sanitary, and livable for tenants.As a landlord, it is important to understand HACC's inspection ...

As a landlord participating in the Section 8 housing program, you rely on rental payments from the housing authority to cover costs when tenants are unable to pay the full rent amount. However, what happens if you have given a tenant notice to vacate, but they have failed to move out by the deadline? You still need to cover your costs, even if the unit is not producing rent. Here are the steps to request Section 8 payment in this situat...

As a landlord participating in the Chicago Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher program, it is important to understand the inspection process to ensure your units meet the necessary requirements. CHA conducts inspections of subsidized units to determine if they meet the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by HUD. If a unit fails an inspection, the landlord and tenant may face consequences, so preparing for inspections is key.C...

As a landlord in Chicago, it is critical to understand your rights and responsibilities under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). The RLTO establishes the rules around key areas such as security deposits, evictions, repairs, and more. Failure to comply with the RLTO can result in legal trouble, fines, and damage to your business. This blog post will overview some of the most important provisions in the RLTO for...

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Chicago. The Section 8 program provides rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford housing in the private market. To apply for a Section 8 voucher, you must first join the CHA's waiting list. Here are the steps to join the Section 8 waiting list in Chicago:Meet the eligibility requirements....

1. What is Section 8 Housing?Section 8 is a government housing program that provides rental assistance to low-income individuals and families.2. How do I apply for Section 8 Housing in Chicago?To apply for Section 8 in Chicago, you must go online to the Chicago Housing Authority’s website and fill out an application to be placed on the waitlist. 3. What are the eligibility requirements for Section 8 in Chicago?To be eligible ...

While a Section 8 tenant resides in the unit, Housing Authorities will perform inspections to make sure that Housing Quality Standards (HQS) are being upheld. Inspections can be scheduled annually if there are children under 6 years old residing in the unit, or bi-annually if not. Once the first inspection has been conducted, landlords have between 21 and 30 calendar days  to correct issues and pass the second inspection. If t...

For many landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), requesting a rent increase can seem like a complicated process. In reality, the process is quite simple as long as you know what needs to be done. In this post, we will explain all you need to know to successfully submit a rent increase with your local Housing Authority. To request a rent increase with Section 8, you must consider the following: ...

As a Landlord, you know that there are an abundance of laws and regulations that you have to follow. One of the most important laws that you need to be aware of is the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). The IHRA prohibits discrimination in housing based on a number of factors. These factors include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. As of January 1, 2023, the IHRA also prohibits discrimination b...