The main Chicago Housing Authority phone number
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) main line is 312-742-8500. This number connects you to their central office at 60 East Van Buren Street in downtown Chicago. Wait times vary by time of day and season; calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter holds.
CHA does not route all calls through this single number. Depending on what you need — a lease question, a maintenance request, a payment issue, or information about public housing — you may reach a different department or be transferred. Have your lease number or CHA case number ready when you call, as it speeds up the process.
The main line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. CHA is closed on weekends and federal holidays. If you call outside these hours, you will reach an automated message with options to leave a voicemail or find after-hours resources.
Key Takeaways
- The Chicago Housing Authority main phone number is 312-742-8500, and it is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
- Having your lease number or CHA case number ready before you call will reduce your wait time and help the staff member locate your account quickly.
- Different departments handle maintenance requests, lease questions, and payment issues, so be clear about what you need when the call is answered.
- CHA also operates a website portal where you can pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and view your account without calling.
Department-specific numbers and when to use them
CHA maintains separate phone lines for certain departments, though not all are published on their main website. The maintenance emergency line, for urgent repairs like no heat or water, is 312-742-5163. This line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have a non-emergency maintenance issue, you can also submit a request through the CHA tenant portal or call the main number and ask for the maintenance department.
For questions about your lease, rent payment, or lease renewal, the housing management office for your building is often faster than the main line. CHA operates multiple housing developments across Chicago, and each has its own office. You can find your development's direct number by visiting the CHA website and searching for your building name, or by calling the main number and asking for your development's office.
If you are calling about a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, the voucher program has its own intake line. The number varies depending on which CHA office serves your area. The main number can direct you to the correct voucher office, or you can visit the CHA website to find the office nearest you.
Using the CHA online portal instead of calling
CHA offers a tenant portal where you can handle many tasks without waiting on hold. You can pay rent, submit maintenance requests, view your lease, check your account balance, and update your contact information. To use the portal, you need your CHA case number and a password. If you do not have a portal account, you can create one on the CHA website.
The portal is available 24 hours a day. Maintenance requests submitted through the portal are logged the same way as phone requests, and you will receive a confirmation number. For non-emergency issues, the portal is often faster than calling because you do not wait for a staff member to answer.
Some residents find the portal easier for routine tasks but still prefer calling for complex questions or disputes. There is no penalty for using either method — choose whichever works for your situation.
What to expect when you call
When you reach CHA, an automated system may ask you to select an option by number — for example, "Press 1 for rent payment, press 2 for maintenance." Listen carefully to the menu, because selecting the wrong option adds time to your call. If you are unsure which option fits your question, press the number for general inquiries or stay on the line to speak to someone who can route you correctly.
After you select an option, you will typically wait in a queue. CHA's hold times range from a few minutes to 30 or more minutes during peak periods (late morning and early afternoon). You will hear periodic messages confirming your call is in the queue. Do not hang up and call back — you will go to the end of the queue again.
When a staff member answers, state your question clearly and have your lease number or case number ready. If the person who answers cannot help you, they will transfer you to the correct department. Transfers sometimes result in another wait, but you should not have to repeat your basic information.
Reaching CHA if you do not have a phone
If you do not have a working phone, you can visit the CHA office in person at 60 East Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60605. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Bring your lease or case number and any documents related to your question.
You can also ask a trusted family member or friend to call on your behalf. Have them ready to provide your case number and explain the issue. CHA staff will speak to the person calling, though they may ask you to confirm information directly if the matter involves your account.
Some community organizations and legal aid offices in Chicago also help residents contact CHA and resolve disputes. If you are having trouble reaching CHA or getting a response, a local legal aid organization may be able to help you file a formal complaint or request.
Common reasons to call CHA
Residents call CHA most often to report maintenance problems, ask about rent payment, or discuss lease terms. Maintenance calls are urgent when you have no heat, no water, a gas leak, or a serious safety issue — call the 24-hour emergency line (312-742-5163) for these. Non-emergency repairs like a broken window or leaky faucet can wait for business hours or be submitted through the portal.
Rent payment questions include asking about payment methods, reporting a payment that did not post, or discussing a rent increase. Lease questions might involve a lease renewal, a request to add a household member, or a dispute over lease terms. If you are facing eviction or have received a notice to vacate, call when ready — do not wait.
You may also call to report a problem with a neighbor, ask about your rights as a tenant, or request an inspection of your unit. CHA staff can tell you which department handles your specific issue and may be able to resolve it during the call or schedule a follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to call CHA to reach someone quickly?
Early morning (8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter wait times. Avoid calling late in the afternoon or on Mondays and Fridays, when call volume is higher. If your issue is not urgent, calling during these quieter times can save you 15 to 20 minutes of waiting.
Can I email CHA instead of calling?
CHA does not publish a general email address for tenant inquiries. The tenant portal is the fastest non-phone option for routine requests like maintenance or rent payment. For other issues, calling the main number or visiting in person is more reliable than email.
What if I call and cannot understand the automated menu?
Stay on the line without pressing any number, or press 0. This usually connects you to a live person who can listen to your question and route you to the right department. It may add a few minutes to your wait, but you will reach someone who can help.
Is there a number to call if I am being evicted?
Call the main number (312-742-8500) when ready and tell the staff member you have received an eviction notice or notice to vacate. They will connect you to the appropriate office. If you cannot reach CHA quickly, contact a legal aid organization in Chicago — they can sometimes intervene with CHA on your behalf.
Can I pay my rent by phone?
You can pay rent through the CHA tenant portal, by mail, or in person at a CHA office. CHA does not accept rent payments over the phone. The portal is the fastest method and provides an when ready confirmation number.