Section 8 yes or no?

Question

Greg M. · Answer

Your location may vary, but generally you cannot turn a tenant away based on their source of income. Any legal source of income including S8 must be considered. However, the key is that doesn't mean you have to work with S8. You have to accept their vouchers, but you don't have to work with them.

I'm in California and I will scream from the tops of the mountains that I gladly accept S8 vouchers. I don't care what your source of income is. To do so would be a violation of the law, so I gladly accept S8 vouchers.

What I won't do is:

• Fill out S8 paperwork to get approved for their program.
• Allow them to inspect my units.
• Agree to any repairs that they would dictate.

Therefore, the S8 program will never work with me. It's a legal loophole.

Tony Kim · Answer

In my preferred local market which is South Los Angeles, Section 8 is the way to go. Like all tenants however, the key differentiator is not whether or not they are Section 8...but how well they do when you screen them and run their background checks and history.

Thomas S. · Answer

They are either good or bad, same as any other tenants. They do require much greater hands on management as they generally have very low personal social standards. Do not expect them to behave as you would in any given situation. They can also have a very high level of self entitlement. Be very vigilant if you choose to rent to S8. They will do things that you could never imagine tenants would do.

Keep in mind you are actually renting to the government and baby sitting government wards.

Keep in mind you are actually renting to the government and baby sitting government wards.

Brian Garlington · Answer

@Tyler Amnott

If you have a vacant unit and you are considering Section 8, hen with proper screening it can be good for you.

Advertise on GoSection 8.........

How I've screened my tenants:

1. No Pets

2.No smoking of any kind

3. No Felonies

4. No Evictions, EVER

I also tell them there is a $35.00 non-refundable background check that THEY will pay for through SmartMove.

I still end up with a wide pool to choose from...........then when I meet them...........The best qualified tenant somehow miraculously/coincidentally is the one with the least amount of adults moving in to the property...........If they have a 6 bedroom voucher and it's going to be a mother (and invariably her boyfriend) moving in along with 5 kids I'm good with that.

You may want to see if your tenants "volunteer" information about having a lot of family in the area because invariably that "family" usually winds up living at the property......but if someone says they or their boyfriend does NOT have a lot or any family in the area then they seem to miraculously/coincidentally end up at the head of the line in my book as far as being best qualifed to move into my rental.

Charlie MacPherson · Answer

@Tyler Amnott Check with your state and local regulations.  Here in MA, you cannot discriminate against a renter based on them receiving any type of public assistance, and that includes Section 8.

I just talked with another BP'er a couple of hours ago who was contacted by what we think was a "tester".  Our stupid state actually employs people whose sole job is to try to trick landlords and realtors into saying something that they can claim is discriminatory.

I don't know what state you're in, but I'd advise looking into your state and local regulations so you don't get ambushed.

Francisco Trejo · Answer

Hello Tyler, in my experience sec 8 comes everything mentioned above, the positives money is always on time, sec 8 portion.  If in case you ever go through an eviction , section 8 will continue to pay during the period of an eviction up until tenant is out of your unit.  The section 8 tenants I have dealt with need training, meaning set expectations and stick to them..

Rob D. · Answer

Yes you’re missing that a LL is not required to joint the S8 program therefore cannot legally take S8 payments without getting the property inspected approved and qualified by a S8 inspection.

My properties are not qualified for S8 as I have no interest in joining the program. I have a few friends who have apartments and S8 is allowed. They do have issues more often than not

Kelly A. · Answer

I was hesitant a few years ago to rent sec 8 but In my few years having rentals, my sec 8 tenants are way better tenants than my self pays. They seem to complain less & handle items themselves. They have more to lose if I complain to Hud on them. Of course, you screen them just like you would any tenant. Im sure there are bad apples, but if you screen properly it can be easier on you long term.

The hud inspectors are only checking to see if items are to code. Sure, sometimes the paperwork is extensive but guaranteed money on the 1st of every month is great.

Section 8 yes or no?

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