Section 8 Housing Or No

[Tabesteph Moliki]

Does anyone currently invest in baltimores section 8 housing? How is that like, because I am considering going the section 8 route!

[Sahana R.]

I have experience in the Chicago market not in your area. But I do think the program is similar. The voucher can be carried for state to state I believe. Anyway...when we did it, a rent check was deposited in our account monthly. Additionally, we had to keep up repairs and provide quality living like any other apartment and adhere the section 8 guidelines that was not so bad because you should do that for any tenant. However, we had a not so good experience with the tenants when they did not want to pay their portion of the rent. (which was less than $200, if I remember correctly because the woman had a job and that was her part according to her papers and what we were charging) I think the program is a good program and it provides a path for individuals that need it. I have no problem with that. However, I wish the program was more hands on in the event that a tenant was in violation of lease or causing problems. Due to circumstances, poorer communities (and rich ones too) may come with issues that you may not be ready for. If this is your first time, I would consider hiring a management company or just a stand in person to be a buffer between you and the tenants. We almost came to blows with ours. I know people personally who have the section 8 voucher and some I would LOVE to rent to and others not so much. Just screen, screen and screen some more. Do personality interviews, ask them questions about how they would respond in certain situations. Do background checks and ask for professional references. I would even have monthly maintenance so you can observe their behavior. Just make sure you are not violating fair housing laws with certain questions or rules etc. In Chicago, if asked  if you accept Section 8, I think you have to "consider" the applicant. Then the Housing Authority comes to do the inspection and you complete paperwork. Its been a while but that was the general way it went. It was nice getting the check on time but we wish we had not chosen that tenant at the end of the day. Hope I didn't scare you. Just find the best application you can and take your time because you may be stuck with them for a while.