Sweet 80 year old tenant can’t afford rent

[Sheena R Roth]

We are under contract on a side by side duplex near our hometown in Ohio. We just found out that we are inheriting the sweetest 80 year old tenant who has lived in the place for 20 years.

Market rent is $950+. This little lady is paying $475… there’s no way we can afford to pay market price on the purchase and keep her rent anywhere close to that low. We basically have to get her to $750 to break even on her unit but she can’t afford to pay that much on her SS income.

She has no computer or skills to use one. I can’t bear the thought of raising her rent and leaving her to try and figure out her options by herself so I’m trying to line up some options to bring to her.

The most obvious choice would be to find herself a roommate.

The only other option I’ve found is Section 8. However, I’ve been told that it could take years for us to get the both her and home into Section 8 program. They also mentioned that since she has a place to live right now she would be placed low on the waiting list.

I struck out on the Agency Center on Aging. United Way, and misc charities in our area.

Any other ideas for possible rent assistance specific to senior citizens?