Section 8 Pros, Cons, Experiences and Questions

[Mackaylee Beach]

Any of you considering in accepting section 8 tenants?

Currently have section 8 tenants in place, but are having difficulties understanding some of the housing requirements/procedures? 

Would love to hear your thoughts/experiences with section 8.

I've worked with section 8 tenants for a while now, I'd be happy to answer any questions/doubts!

[Nick Gray]

I think in terms of Section 8 tenants, you either love 'em or you hate 'em. Just thought I'd share a positive experience on here. 

Currently living in our duplex and our Section 8 tenants live beneath us. While not necessarily "white collar" citizens, we have had nothing but smooth sailing since they moved in. Their rent payments come through in full and on time every month, they take care of their own utilities and have never given us reason to think they'd let utility payments lapse. Most of all, they take great care of their apartment and the property. Sometimes it even feels like they're the owners and we're the renters (just a joke). But there are plenty of times I come home from work and they are outside cutting the grass, cleaning up the yard (even keeping our street space clean), & taking all of our garbage cans to the street for pick up day. And they always come out and help when they catch me doing these things, even when I beg them not to.

I think this goes without saying, but screening is the most important thing we can do as investors/landlords. We stuck to our guns and gave no breaks in the screening process just because they have rental assistance. They met the credit requirements, passed background checks, etc. and the driving force in the selection process was speaking with their prior landlord. They had been with him for 15+ years and they were only leaving him because he decided to sell off his assets and retire. He gave a glowing review, mentioning that they had demonstrated many of the same qualities that we've seen in them and so we took a chance. 

Sorry for the long post - just wanted to point out that there are positive experiences to be had with Section 8 as long as you do your due diligence and use sound judgement, as you would with any other tenants!