Chicago Landlord

The Cook County Board of Commisioners has a proposed ordinance that will make it a human rights violation to refuse the Section 8 voucher.   That means landlords will have to accept Section 8 tenants.  I am torn about this ordinance myself.  The county seems to be passing the buck when it comes to fair housing and the Section 8 process will be too onerous for some landlords to deal with.   There is a lot of waiting for Section 8 inspectors, and then there is a long list of repairs the landlord has to take care of and then another inspection.  I think if the county really wants to improve Section 8 rentals, they have to make the process smoother and faster for property owners.  Having said that, I believe in fair housing and this new ordinance will make the system more even and allow families to live where they want.

That is what I am planning to tell my commisioner and I recomend that you call yours and make your opinions know too.
http://www.co.cook.il.us/portal/server.pt/community/government/226/leadership

I did not realize how long it was since my last post. The good news is that I was so busy this spring that I did not have time to write any posts. The rents in Chicagoland are back to 2007 prices and vacancy rates are at an all time low. I have started to meet with a lot of real estate buyers who want to purchase a home, becuase they feel it is cheaper than renting. More good news for me. It is also a great time to buy a multi-unit building, prices and interest rates are still low, but it is getting competitive out there. A well priced rental building will only be on the market for a few days and could have multiple offers. I think next year the price on rental buildings will really start to clime as inventory is low and demand is high.