Section 8- Is this process okay?

[Nina V.]

Hi All,

The property is located in Howard County, Maryland.

My cash flow is tight and I wanted my property rented as soon as possible. I have two very promising candidates- one is with section 8 and the other does not.

I handed applications to both. Both have credit scores of over 700. My property has to pass section 8 inspection. The section 8 individual sent me her application back first.

I have already called HUD and am waiting for inspection.

My question is- can i send the lease to be signed by the non-section 8 person or do i need to run the entire section 8 process because I received her application first?

I have no problem with Section 8- i simply want a signed lease and tenant in.

Also- i hear stories about how HUD takes a few months to start paying rent (they make you whole eventually). Can I ask the section 8 individual to cover cost which I will reimburse once payment comes in or am i at the mercy of the government?

Thanks!

[Sandra Holt]

Also, you can’t ask the tenant to cover your rent until the housing department decides to pay you.  It’s against the spirit of the program and could make you ineligible.