Section 8 and income as a protected class

[Nina V.]

Hi All,

Before I post my question, I'd like to recognize that there will be a few of you out that there I offend. In advance, I apologize. I don't want responses to my questions to ask me to defend why I won't enroll in Section 8. Please accept my decision. Thank you.

Where I own our properties, source of income is a protected class. By law, I am not required to enroll in Section 8 at the same time by law I cannot discriminate against source of income. Landlords renting in such counties who are NOT enrolled in Section 8, how do you walk this fine line? If you receive an application who has the voucher and is well qualified (good credit score and references), are you required to accept this applicant? Is my only way of staying on the right side of law is to enroll in Section 8?

[Katrina Edwards]

Originally posted by @Benjamin Timmins:

Originally posted by @Craig H.:

Originally posted by @Matthew Paul:

Just make sure the house wont pass a Section 8 inspection .

 Ha! Creative. I don't think it would come to that. I seriously doubt the OP would be forced to accept it.

 Depends on the state. California, for example, its mandatory that you accept section 8.

 Hold on there! There is no requirement in California that one accept section 8. As others have said, if you price your unit above the section 8 voucher amount, there's no issue. Section 8 has good and bad points. One of the biggest issues with Section 8, is waiting to have rent increases approved. I do accept section 8 on some of my own properties but advise my clients not to accept it.

We advertise "section 8 declined". 

Set your income and credit criteria high. That solves most problems with applicants.

People, it is very important that we do not post misinformation here. If you do not know something for a fact, state that the information you're providing is based on your understanding. Better yet, do the research and provide a link.

Accepting section 8 usually requires entering into an agreement with the government. No one can force you to enter into that type of an agreement in California.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but I am a stickler for facts and checking data.

I hope some people find this helpful :-)