Current Landlords

The following resources are available to assist landlords with common requests.

Tax Saving Program

This initiative from the Illinois General Assembly, targets property owners in low poverty areas of economic growth and provides an incentive to these owners to rent to families who have Housing Choice Vouchers. The program rewards participating eligible property owners with reduced property taxes.

You must fill out an application through the HACC. You cannot apply directly to the Cook County Clerk yourself. To find out more about the legislation (35 ILCS 200/18-173), visit the Illinois General Assembly’s website or reach out to your State Representative or State Senator.

Learn More about the Tax Saving Program

Check back soon for updated information on the 2025 Housing Choice Voucher Tax Savings Program. The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) will announce when the application period opens.

Forms & Documents

Determining a Rent Offer

Owner/Landlord Address Change – email the complete form to ownerchange@thehacc.org

Change Owner/Landlord Direct Deposit Form – email to ach@thehacc.org
Owner Change Request Form
Owner Notification of Rights and Obligations Under VAWA
Payment Standards 2025 – Effective May 1, 2025

Rent Increase Request Form – Submit completed form to the assigned housing specialist or email to: RIRchicago@thehacc.org or RIRcmo@thehacc.org

Request Rent Café access at registration@thehacc.org
Utility Allowance Schedule 2024

Current Landlord FAQs

When and how do I receive my Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)?

HAP is paid monthly, directly to your bank account via direct deposit. Payment is made by the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) once: • The HAP contract is active • The tenant has moved in • All required paperwork is complete If you haven't received payment, contact the HACC to check: • Whether the HAP contract is fully executed • If there are any holds due to failed inspections or tenant ineligibility

How can I request a rent increase?

Yes, but you must: • You must give written notice in the form of a rent increase request form. • Ensure the new rent is reasonable compared to similar market-rate units • Wait for PHA approval before implementing the increase Note: Rent increases can be requested once every 12 months.

What do I do if the tenant damages the unit?

You can: • Deduct the cost from the tenant’s security deposit • Bill the tenant directly • Follow your lease terms and local landlord-tenant laws for additional remedies The HACC is not responsible for tenant-caused damages.

What if the tenant stops paying their portion of the rent?

You should: • Follow your usual collection and notice procedures • Document all communication and attempts to collect • Notify the HACC immediately • Begin legal eviction proceedings if necessary, in compliance with local laws The HCV program only guarantees the subsidized portion — not the tenant’s portion.

Can I evict a voucher tenant?

Yes, but you must: • Have valid legal cause (e.g., non-payment, lease violations) • Follow state/local eviction laws • Notify the HACC in writing of the lease violation and intent to evict The HACC does not conduct evictions but must be kept informed.

What happens during annual or periodic inspections?

HACC will: • Schedule a biennial inspection of the unit • Notify you (and the tenant) in advance • Check for compliance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS) If deficiencies are found, you’ll be given time to fix them (typically 24 hours for emergency issues, or 21 days for non-emergencies). Failure to correct violations may result in abated (withheld) HAP payments.

Do I need to renew the lease each year?

Not necessarily. After the initial term (usually one year), the lease typically becomes month-to-month unless renewed or terminated. You may: • Offer a new lease • Continue month-to-month • Provide notice to terminate, following lease terms and local laws Always notify the HACC of any lease changes.

Can I terminate the lease without cause after the initial lease term?

In most cases, yes — as long as: • You provide proper written notice to the tenant (typically 30–60 days) • You notify the HACC • You follow state/local landlord-tenant laws You cannot terminate the lease for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

What if my property fails the inspection?

You’ll receive: • A list of deficiencies • A deadline to make repairs (usually 24 hours to 21 days, depending on severity) If you: • Fix the issues in time, a reinspection will confirm compliance • Fail to fix the issues, your HAP payments may be suspended or terminated

Can I refuse to renew a lease for a voucher tenant?

Yes, but only if: • You have legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons • You provide proper notice to both the tenant and the HACC • You comply with lease and legal requirements Examples of valid reasons: • Sale of property • Tenant lease violations • Owner moving back into unit

What if the tenant’s income changes?

The tenant is required to report income changes to the HACC. If their income increases, their portion of the rent may go up, and the HACC portion may go down. This does not affect your total rent, unless the tenant becomes ineligible or the rent exceeds the payment standard.

What happens if I sell the property?

You must: • Notify the HACC and tenant in writing • The new owner may choose to continue or terminate participation in the program • If continuing, the new owner must: Complete required Owner Change forms with the HACC Accept the current lease (until it expires)

I need another copy of my 1099

You can print / save a copy of your 1099 by logging into your Landlord Portal. If you have not registered previously to access Rent Café, you must register your account information in order to access your records. Registration requires a unique Registration ID. Please email registration@thehacc.org to have the registration credentials issued to you. You can also request a copy by contacting HACC’s Finance Department at ach@thehacc.org.

How can I request a change of address?

You can change your address by logging into your Landlord Portal. If you have not registered previously to access Rent Café, you must register your account information in order to access your records. Registration requires a unique Registration ID. Please email registration@thehacc.org to have the registration credentials issued to you. *Note, this is not the same as reporting a Change of Ownership of an assisted property