Skip to content
×
Try PRO Free Today!
BiggerPockets Pro offers you a comprehensive suite of tools and resources
Market and Deal Finder Tools
Deal Analysis Calculators
Property Management Software
Exclusive discounts to Home Depot, RentRedi, and more
$0
7 days free
$828/yr or $69/mo when billed monthly.
$390/yr or $32.5/mo when billed annually.
7 days free. Cancel anytime.
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Real Estate Investing
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 2 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

428
Posts
482
Votes
Jimmy O'Connor
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Philadelphia, PA
482
Votes |
428
Posts

Section 8 Shutout: Philadelphia Landlords' Refusal to Rent

Jimmy O'Connor
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Philadelphia, PA
Posted

The mayor just signed off on  legislation to that is aimed at tackling the issue of discrimination against households that use tenant-based vouchers, also known as Section 8 vouchers, to pay for their housing. These vouchers are provided by the Philadelphia Housing Authority and are meant to help low-income families afford housing on the private market. However, the resolution states that many landlords in Philadelphia are refusing to rent to households that use these vouchers, making it difficult for these families to find housing. The Fair Practices Ordinance already prohibits landlords from refusing to rent based on a tenant's source of income, including tenant-based vouchers. However, the resolution suggests that source of income discrimination is still a problem. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless will conduct hearings to examine the issue of source of income discrimination and how it is exacerbating the City's affordable housing crisis. As a result of this resolution, landlords may face increased scrutiny and possibly penalties for refusing to rent to households with tenant-based vouchers. They may also be required to participate in education and outreach programs to learn about their obligations under the fair housing laws, accept tenant-based vouchers, or face penalties. Landlords may also face increased competition for housing stock from households with vouchers, and may experience lower vacancy rates or higher tenant turnover. Overall, landlords may need to adapt their business practices to comply with the fair housing laws and to accommodate tenants with vouchers.

Section 8 landlords and Section 8 adverse landlords, what do you make of this?

Link to legislation: https://phila.legistar.com/Leg...

  • Jimmy O'Connor
  • Most Popular Reply

    User Stats

    255
    Posts
    290
    Votes
    Kevin M.
    • Property Manager
    • Philadelphia, PA
    290
    Votes |
    255
    Posts
    Kevin M.
    • Property Manager
    • Philadelphia, PA
    Replied

    Thanks Jimmy this is a significant looming issue that courts have been dancing around for a while in Philadelphia. It's currently illegal to discriminate based on an applicant's source of income when evaluating a rental prospect, but does a voucher really qualify as 'income'? 

    The voucher is tied to mandatory training certification for landlords, mandatory property inspections, and mandatory administrative work with PHA. There's a lot more to working with a voucher-holder than simply accepting the voucher as income. It's a significant burden and risk on landlords. 

    Even if you agree to do all the required administrative work, you have to get all the way through the process to get a rent 'offer' from PHA that can be hundreds of dollars less than your marketed price. 

    It's my professional opinion this is an even more important issue to monitor than 'rent control' and will have a significant impact on property rights.

    • Kevin M.
    business profile image
    Otter Property Management
    4.8 stars
    255 Reviews

    Loading replies...