Screening Section 8 Tenants?

[Melissa Uppelschoten]

I am seriously considering Section 8 for a home I recently renovated that is in an area of town that is still in transition in Atlanta. The good thing is I am not in a huge hurry to find a tenant. I will be scheduling my Section 8 inspection next week. And then I assume they will give me guidance on what I can and cannot do with advertising and screening, right? For example - I typically ask applicants to apply using Zumper which gives me credit score and eviction info. There is a small charge for the applicant. I also ask for past landlord info and call them and ensure they took care of the property. Is that OK for Section 8? I would appreciate any insights you have. I have been a landlord for 17 years, but this is my first time doing section 8. Thanks in advance!