Current Tenant wants to Start Section 8

[Account Closed]

My current tenants are separating and one person will remain in the property with the kids, possibly with Section 8 voucher.

I'm not opposed to Section 8, but I think it will require a new lease and I have some concerns.

• rent hasn't increased in 3 years and the market will support 15% increase no problem
• payments haven't been timely for months, probably due to their separation

If I raise rent now, they won't be able to pay and I'll lose them, plus a month's rent in the process, I'm sure.  If I raise rent with the new lease, it may be seen as discrimination or cause other problems with the Section 8 stuff.  If I ask them to leave, I feel like a bad person and lose decent long-term tenants.  If I do nothing, I'll have late rent for a few months and then who knows what might happen.

[Patti Robertson]

@Account Closed - If they tenant doesn't have a SEC 8 voucher already, it isn't likely they will be getting one anytime soon. At least in my market all the SEC 8 lists are closed because of the fear of pending HUD budget cuts. It can take many years to get a voucher even when the waiting list is open. My advice would be to keep both tenants liable until the end of the lease. If they are unwilling, the one who wants to stay has to fully qualify on their own in order to be come the sole leasee.