Section 8

[Dan Shelhamer]

I am currently marketing my rental property for a tenant, and I received an email from a prospect asking me if I accept Section 8.  I don't know everything about this type of program, and how it works.  Also, am I considered discriminating if I don't offer to Section 8?  From my understanding, Section 8 has come a long way and they have to do annual inspections and such which tend to keep the property in better condition if they want to stay on government assistance.  Please let me know your thoughts and experience on this.  Thanks!

[Thomas S.]

Not taking on section 8 is not discrimination. Section 8 tenants can be extremely abusive on a property and it is your responsibility to satisfy the inspectors not your tenants. Unless you own a C class property there is no point in lowering your tenant standards by choosing to rent to section 8. It is a knish market best left to landlords that specialise in welfare tenants. It requires a greater degree of hands on management.