New Landlords
The following resources are available to assist landlords with common requests.
Becoming a Landlord
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.
Rent to a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) family and enjoy a number of benefits, including lower vacancy rates, tenant stability, free property inspections, and eligibility for a reduction in property taxes.
Find potential tenants faster by notifying HACC of your property’s availability! Ultimately, it is the HCV family’s decision whether or not to rent your property. As the landlord, you would screen the HCV family just as you would any other prospective tenant.
Please note: The Cook County Human Rights Ordinance recognizes Housing Choice Voucher participants as a protected class, meaning it is unlawful to discriminate against tenants or potential tenants based on their status as voucher program participants.
How to Get Started
The first step in renting to an HCV participant is to market your property for rent. Once you have connected with an HCV family—and you have approved them to rent your unit—they will provide you with all the documentation needed to begin the process of becoming a HACC HCV landlord.
Want to list your unit for HACC HCV families? Visit: www.ilhousingsearch.org.
Once the move paperwork is complete, please submit it to a HACC office at the following location:
- Downtown Office: 10 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60603
- Central Management Office: 1710 East End Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
The move paperwork can be dropped off in person (no appointment needed) or sent via mail. Once submitted and processed, staff will contact you to discuss the preliminary rent amount. Â An HQS inspection will be ordered. Final steps include approving the rent offer, passing the HQS inspection and submitting the executed HAP contract and lease to HACC for payment.
- Market your property and receive an inquiry from an HCV participant.
Screen and select the HCV participant just as you would any market-rate applicant.
Complete the move packet and submit it to HACC.
Approve the preliminary rent offer.
Pass the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection.
Once the unit passes inspection and the rent is approved, HACC will authorize the tenant to move in.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract is sent to the landlord.
Return the HAP Contract and the corresponding executed lease to your assigned Housing Specialist.
Monthly Housing Assistance Payments will be deposited directly into the landlord’s bank account.
A Rent Notification letter will be sent to your email address. The letter contains the Rent Café Link and registration code to create your account.  The portal will provide access to tenant and payment information.
New Landlord FAQs
New Landlord Quick Links
Receive Waitlist Opportunities
Stay up to date with available properties
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