Landlords Guide to Understanding CHA Inspections
Participating in the Chicago Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher program as a landlord demands a deep understanding of inspection procedures to ensure compliance with essential standards. CHA conducts thorough inspections of subsidized units to ensure adherence to Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by HUD. Given the potential consequences for both landlords and tenants in case of inspection failure, meticulous preparation is crucial.
Inspectors scrutinize critical systems and components during CHA inspections, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. They also identify and address health and safety hazards while ensuring essential amenities like hot and cold running water are in full working order.
Common factors leading to CHA inspection failures include:
• Promptness: Communicate promptly with inspectors and be punctual for appointments.
• Integrity of Paint and Wallboard: Check for holes and paint chipping throughout the unit.
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install mandatory detectors near bedrooms. Use combo smoke and CO2 detectors. Ensure proper placement within 15 feet of bedrooms.
• Plumbing: Address leaky faucets, insufficient hot water, and clogged drains.
• Electrical Safety: Watch for exposed wires, faulty power supply, loose outlets, or circuit breaker malfunctions. Ensure outlets are grounded and polarity is correct. Contact an electrician if needed.
• Pest Infestation: Deal with evidence of rodents or insects promptly.
• Essential Facilities: Ensure functioning refrigerators, stoves, sinks, and toilets.
• Housekeeping: Maintain cleanliness and remove health and safety hazards.
• Structural Integrity: Check for wall and ceiling damage, water damage, or roof issues.
• Window Maintenance: Ensure windows open, close, and lock securely. Functional latches are essential. CHA permits one non-functioning latch or allows one window to be permanently fixed shut if there are multiple windows.
Ramifications of Failing an Inspection
In the event of a failed inspection, landlords must promptly address noted deficiencies within a specified timeframe to avoid penalties. Failure to rectify these issues could lead to termination of housing assistance payments. It's crucial for landlords to swiftly resolve all identified issues to ensure a successful re-inspection.
Our most important piece of advice is communicating early and often with CHA and the tenant/voucher holder. Get on the phone and call the CHA call center. Communicate early and often. We promise it will pay off.
If you have any questions regarding CHA inspections please contact us @ (847) 722-5515
Geary’s Real Estate
