Please help with section 8 nightmare

[Kwab Mireku]

Hello All,

I find myself in a nightmare of a dilemma, I have a section tenant who I didn't evict when I had the opportunity for breaking my no pets allowed rules.  She has kids and I din not want her to loose her voucher.  I instead decided to not renew with her while she finds a new place. it's going on 2 months now and she's still there.  Last week she came back from a family emergency, and I told her prior to traveling to keep her heat on.  The pipes froze and burst no I have 20k+ in damages to the unit! to make matters worse, she needs to vacate the property so we can fix it.  I found out that she had no electricity because of non payment, and gas was on but was also in the process of being disconnected.  I offered to give give her her security deposit as this will be easier than dealing with lawyers and such.  Guess what? someone in section 8 is advising her not to vacate the property.  My frustration is boiling over.  The insurance company wants to fix the unit ASAP but this fine person is refusing to leave.  Wat should I do??

[Victor N.]

I have some units rented to section 8 tenants. There’s the annual inspection which is automatic every year at about the same time. A tenant can also ask for a special inspection if things are not working properly/ they have a complaint. Guess what? So can you!

So call the housing office and request an emergency inspection. They cannot deny your request. You and the tenant will both be notified of the date via mail. Be there for the inspection. Keep in mind that the tenant has the ability to re-schedule for whatever reason. Once the inspector comes and sees the condition, (s)he will report it and the tenant will have to move. Also ask to speak to a supervisor ( bypass the tenant’s case manager who I assume is the one telling the tenant not to move out) at the housing authority to explain the situation. This will make things move faster.

 You can also call the town where the property is located and ask for an inspection. They will condemn the unit because it is inhabitable. You will get a faster response from the town inspector than the section 8 inspector but still, the housing authority needs to issue a moving packet to the tenant so they can look for a new place. Call both the town and the housing authority and she will be out soon.

FYI make sure to provide her with heat such as  electric space heater or have them ready bc the town might ask you to while they look for a new place. Absolutely make sure what you provide is the kind that CANNOT catch fire/ is not a fire hazard. Finally, keep in mind that the town might ask you to move the family to a temporary housing ( hotel or short term rental) due to the current condition of the unit. I just want you to be aware of potential issues when you call the town. But then again this should be covered by your insurance. Good luck!