Section 8 in Maryland

[Samson Oni]

Hi everyone,

Asking this question for a friend: 

My friends started the section 8 process and already sent them the landlord package but the process is taking forever. Can he keep showing the place and when  he get someone else ready to pay and move in, can he cancel the section 8 process? 

[Jon K.]

I'm assuming by landlord package you mean he submitted the RTA (request for tenant approval). If that is the case then yes, he can still choose to rent to someone else. The process usually goes like this:

Rental Listing -> Landlord and Prospective Tenant fill out and submit RTA -> Voucher office performs Affordability Study -> Landlord approves estimated rent amount -> Property Inspection -> Approval of Property by Voucher Office -> Lease & Move-In

The section 8 process in/around Baltimore and Baltimore County does take a long time these days. It was almost a two month process the last time I went through it (and now three months after the tenant moved in I still haven't received my first subsidized payment). It can definitely be frustrating.

One thing I'd encourage your friend to keep in mind is that the tenant is a person and their housing depends on this process. They can only submit their voucher for one property at a time. If your friend is going to find another tenant, they should let the original tenant and the voucher office know right away so that they can get back to looking.

About half of my portfolio are voucher tenants at the moment. I will tell you from experience that the squeaky wheel gets the grease in this process. Calling frequently and being respectful when you do so goes a LONG way to speeding things up.