One bedroom Section 8 Voucher/Restricting family size without breaking discrimination laws

[Alan B.]

I just completed my 2nd door (the top half of my duplex), it’s a one bedroom, with a stand up shower (no bathtub), carpeting only in bedroom, and what I would define as a total bachelor pad. It’s not a place designed for a family, kids, or even a couple. Obviously I can’t list it like that due to discrimination laws, but I figured with it being a 1 bedroom and only a shower with no tub that someone with kids wouldn’t even apply.

I had someone come and take a look at it today, she has a Section 8 voucher for a one bedroom. I do accept vouchers, my lower unit is subsidized. I didn’t expect her to have a child, wouldn’t expect someone with a kid to apply for a 1 bedroom with no bathtub. When she mentioned her daughter I asked her was she ok with this only being a 1 bed and no tub. She said she was. I then asked her how many bedrooms her voucher was for. She said one.

Don’t see why Sec 8 would give someone with a child a 1 bed voucher, anyone ever heard of that? Ultimately, if the housing commission doesn’t mind her renting a 1 bedroom with a child then neither do I. I just find it strange she’s willing to rent this place, kind of seems like she is desperate.

Also, without breaking any laws how can I restrict the family size allowed in a rental? Example, a couple with 4 kids applying for a 2 bedroom. Obviously that 2 bed is sufficient and I don’t want them pilling all their kids into one room or have kids sleeping in the living room.

All advice and comments are appreciated.

[Mary B.]

Originally posted by @Alan B.:

I just completed my 2nd door (the top half of my duplex), it’s a one bedroom, with a stand up shower (no bathtub), carpeting only in bedroom, and what I would define as a total bachelor pad. It’s not a place designed for a family, kids, or even a couple. Obviously I can’t list it like that due to discrimination laws, but I figured with it being a 1 bedroom and only a shower with no tub that someone with kids wouldn’t even apply.

I had someone come and take a look at it today, she has a Section 8 voucher for a one bedroom. I do accept vouchers, my lower unit is subsidized. I didn’t expect her to have a child, wouldn’t expect someone with a kid to apply for a 1 bedroom with no bathtub. When she mentioned her daughter I asked her was she ok with this only being a 1 bed and no tub. She said she was. I then asked her how many bedrooms her voucher was for. She said one.

Don’t see why Sec 8 would give someone with a child a 1 bed voucher, anyone ever heard of that? Ultimately, if the housing commission doesn’t mind her renting a 1 bedroom with a child then neither do I. I just find it strange she’s willing to rent this place, kind of seems like she is desperate.

Also, without breaking any laws how can I restrict the family size allowed in a rental? Example, a couple with 4 kids applying for a 2 bedroom. Obviously that 2 bed is sufficient and I don’t want them pilling all their kids into one room or have kids sleeping in the living room.

All advice and comments are appreciated.

What difference does it make if it doesn't have a tub so long as they can shower that should be great. Times are hard for many people and since you accept section 8 vouchers you should more than understand their plight. How much space can one kid utilize? Look up the guidelines on the HUD website under section 8 to see if you can get some assistance on how many people adults / children per # of bedrooms. 4 kids in a 2br isn't really sufficient either especially if there are boys and girls aspecting to share a bedroom.

Your situation isn't troubling at all to me with a mother and her one kid in a 1 br. That's what daybeds are for. My coin.

Kudos,

Mary