Screening process for Section 8 applicants

[Natsumi Jang]

Hi, I'm new to handling section 8 renters. We have a place that we have some section 8 applicants and I'm wondering since the rental subsidy voucher is only under one of the renter's name, does the other tenants who are 18 and up be subject to the same screening process credit + background check as the main tenant who will be paying rent from the voucher? 

[Michele Fischer]

Everyone over age 18 should pass a criminal check and be comfortable that they are enhancing rather than harming the property and household dynamics.  A completed applications gives you the authority to run the checks.

If the applicant with the voucher qualifies on their own, consider having them as the tenant and the others as authorized occupants.  The advantage is ease of getting people out with less tenants to deal with.  The disadvantage is that you can only go after the tenant for unpaid amounts.  We prefer authorized occupants but often let the applicant decide.  We often name a primary tenant, though.  In case of a split up or problem you want your voucher holder to be the one to stay.

If the voucher holder does not qualify alone, pull in as many as you need to get them to collectively qualify.  Running credit/screening on all of them can give clues beyond credit score, we generally run them all at initial move in regardless of who gets on the agreement.  If we have an established tenant who is adding a roommate we only do criminal.