Section 8 approved properties in Chicago, IL

[Patrick Britton]

I am under contract to purchase a few properties in southside of Chicago, aiming for section 8 tenants.  It's my understanding that the property needs to pass CHA (Chicago Housing Authority) inspection.  Anybody know what items are problematic for them?  i.e.  older roof, water heater, balusters not to code, absent GFCI, etc.?  

thanks! B

[Christopher Malone]

Hey @Patrick Britton! CHA looks for everything that you mentioned in addition to a few other things. 

• All Windows must open and shut properly
• All owner supplied appliances and utilities must work correctly
• Knock-Out plugs must be installed on any exposed Light/Power Outlet/Junction Boxes. (Typically in the basement)
• Chipped or Peeling paint
• If you have an HVAC system, exhaust must be properly installed (No spaces or Cracks)
• Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detector must be within 10ft of bedrooms, stove, and Furnace
• No sharp objects, including on the exterior of the property
• Any area that the tenant does not have access to must be sealed or locked (Crawl Space, etc.)  

Everything else is typical habitable property stuff like locking doors, running water, heat, etc. I just recently had a annual inspection and a new move-in inspection that I passed on both of the initial inspections, its not difficult at all. If you fail a item on a annual or semi annual inspection that is the tenants responsibility, then CHA will require them to make the repair after a certain amount of time. If you do inspections yourself or hire someone to do inspections once every 6 months or so and catch issues, then you can get the repair done, bill the tenant, and wont have anything to worry about for inspections. The tenant typically does not want to fail an inspection just as bad as you don't.  Make sure to screen consistently, and do not be afraid to hold out until you find the right person. It took about 2 months, and  about 9 individuals were turned away after my last rehab before the current tenant was placed. Be patient! The inspection is the easy part, finding the right person is the crucial/most important part!

Hope this helps!

@Mark Ainley, Anything to add?