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.

List Your Unit

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. 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.

HCV Landlord Steps

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

What is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program?

The HCV Program (Section 8) is a federal rental assistance program that helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe housing in the private market. Tenants pay a portion of the rent, and the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) pays the rest directly to the landlord.

How do I become a landlord in the HCV program?

To participate, you must: • Own or manage a rental property. • Fill out a Request for Tenancy Approval form and turn in necessary landlord documents. • Accept the preliminary rent offer. • Pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. • Schedule the move-in date, sign the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with HACC, and provide a signed lease agreement with the tenant.

Do I have to reduce my rent for a voucher tenant?

No, but the rent must be reasonable compared to similar, unassisted units in the area. HACC will conduct a rent reasonableness assessment to ensure the requested rent aligns with market standards.

How much rent will I receive, and from whom?

You will receive: • A portion from the tenant, based on their income (usually 30% of income). • The rest from the HACC via monthly Housing Assistance Payments (HAP). Example: If contract rent is $1,200/month: • Tenant may pay $300 • HACC may pay $900 Exact amounts vary by tenant income.

How do I screen voucher tenants?

You can and should screen tenants just like any other applicant. The PHA does not screen for criminal background, credit history, or landlord references — that’s up to you.

Can I charge a security deposit?

Yes. You may charge a security deposit as long as it is consistent with what you charge non-voucher tenants in similar units.

What is the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract?

It’s a legal agreement between you and the HACC. It: • Sets the amount of rent paid by the HACC. • States your responsibilities as a landlord. • Lasts as long as the tenant remains eligible and in the unit.

What is the initial inspection and how do I prepare?

The HACC will perform a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection to ensure the unit is safe, sanitary, and decent. You must: • Ensure all appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, doors, and windows work. • Check for smoke detectors, proper handrails, and no tripping hazards. • Fix any issues before the tenant can move in.

How often are inspections done?

• An initial inspection is done before move-in. • Biennial inspections follow. • Special inspections may occur if the tenant reports problems.

Can I evict a voucher tenant?

Yes, but you must follow: • State/local landlord-tenant laws • Notify both the tenant and the HACC You must have legal cause (e.g., non-payment of rent, lease violations) and document it. The HACC is not involved in the legal eviction process but needs to be informed.

Can I raise the rent later?

Yes, but: • You must give written notice in the form of a rent increase request form. • Rent increases must be reasonable and approved by the HACC. • Increases can occur once per 12-month period.

What are my responsibilities as a landlord?

• Maintain the property in good condition. • Make timely repairs. • Comply with the lease and local landlord-tenant laws. • Allow inspections. • Inform the HACC of tenant issues (non-payment, lease violations, etc.).

I'd like to rent my unit to a Housing Choice Voucher (formerly known as the Section 8 Program) participant. Where do I begin?

The first step is to find an applicant with a Housing Choice Voucher that you would like to rent your unit too. We recommend you create a free account at www.ilhousingsearch.org and list your property for rent. You also have the option to attach your rental application in the listing. All for FREE using the www.ilhousingsearch.org website!!