T
he Chicago-based property management firm The Habitat Company has announced it will be ending its nearly 40-year partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority. In a letter dated September 6, Habitat president Matthew Fiascone cited deteriorating working relationships and significant changes within CHA as reasons for the decision. The company manages 3,400 public housing units and had contracts set to expire soon.

    Fiascone expressed frustration over CHA's demand that Habitat secure its own liability insurance, a responsibility typically handled by CHA. He also criticized the agency's handling of the contract extension request, which was sent to an administrative assistant on leave rather than senior leadership, causing the deadline to be missed.

    Habitat initially offered to continue managing properties until November 1, but CHA CEO Tracey Scott countered that this timeline violated the contract requirement for 120 days' notice. The two entities have worked together since 1987. CHA has assured residents that a new property manager will be secured and is communicating with tenants about upcoming changes.