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: 

• Section 8 will only allow one rent increase every 12 months.

• Rent increases must be consistent with current market rates. 

• You must provide at least three comparables within a mile radius. 

• Owners of projects with more than 4 units must provide comparables within the same project. 

• Rent increase requests may be denied if an annual inspection is ongoing, or if an inspection hasn’t been conducted between 12-24 months.

• Housing Authorities may present a counteroffer to the proposed rent increase.

• Housing Authorities reserve the right to approve or deny the request based on their own research.  

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

Rent increases must be submitted between 60 and 120 days prior to the lease end date. 

Rent increases are submitted via the Owner’s Portal, located at https://chahcvportal.org/, under Finance > Request a Rent Increase. 

Market comps are uploaded in a separate website, https://www.affordablehousing.com/, under the Comparables section. If comps aren’t uploaded, CHA may deny your rent increase. CHA’s default response time for a rent increase is 30 business days. 

Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC)

Rent increases must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the lease end date. Unlike other Housing Authorities, a Rent Increase Form needs to be signed by both the landlord and the tenant. This document can be found on their website, https://thehacc.org/ under Forms and Documents. The signed form needs to be submitted directly to the participant’s caseworker. HACC can take up to two months to approve, so regular follow-up is advised. Rent increase effective dates will match the lease start date. 

McHenry Housing Authority

MCHA send a rent increase form to the landlord 90 days prior to the end of the lease. This form is filled out and submitted to the caseworker within the first 3 weeks of receipt. Confirm with caseworker if the rent increase was approved and forward them a copy of the new lease after it’s signed. McHenry will then send a new HAP Contract for the new lease term, which needs to be signed and returned to them.

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