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Updated about 2 years ago,

User Stats

231
Posts
188
Votes
Thomas O'Donnell
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Columbus, OH
188
Votes |
231
Posts

Need Some Advice for a Potential Tenant That Approached Me

Thomas O'Donnell
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Columbus, OH
Posted

I currently have my duplex listed on multiple sights and it has been for about a month now. I have had some leads but most of them were either section 8 or did not meet one or more of my minimum requirements. I recently have thought about accepting section 8 due to the area but do have concerns about it. My neighbor approached me with her friend when I got home from work today, and they were asking about the other side of my duplex to rent. Her friend said that she has section 8 and 3 kids and is currently qualified for $1400 via Section 8 program (I have it listed at $1325 but would increase to $1400 if section 8). She also stated that she has been at her job for 3 years (of course all of this would need to be verified). I currently have a rental questionnaire that I have people fill out with basic information before I decide if they meet my standards enough to offer a showing. They were insistent that I should accept section 8 as there are a good amount of people in this area who are on the program. Obviously they don't make my decisions for me, but I just wanted your guys' thoughts on what I should do. I've been struggling to get leads that actually meet my standards, but I am very cautious of section 8. I also was put in a weird situation that I was not expecting and I said I did not currently accept section 8 but I might look into it. I told her that I would view her questionnaire and that she would receive an email response. My number is on the sign in the front yard and they said they would be calling me. There is a process to this whole thing and I'm not sure how I should explain that without being rude. This has to be treated like a business, so there are systems that need to be gone through such as the questionnaire, then a showing (if qualified), then the actual background/credit/income checks with the application. Does anyone have some input on how I should deal with this? As I have been considering section 8 but have not decided on it. On the one hand, her friend would be living next door and if I was to rent to her, it's hard to imagine her wanting to lose her voucher and be displaced from living next door to her friend. I would imagine she would want to do what she could to maintain and stay in the unit. However, anything could happen. Thanks to all who respond!

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