Section 8 Housing: Where to start as a Landlord?

[Fernando Domingo]

I just purchased a property and want to be prepared for section 8 if we have interested tenants. Can anyone tell me the process as a landlord and what I need to do to be prepared? 

[Matt Leber]

@Fernando Domingo I’ll tell you what I do out in Central Florida with the caveat that your local office might have slightly different processes. I would call the section 8 office in your local area and ask if hey can send you the rent cap amounts by bedroom size and zip code. This will tell you the max rent you can list at according to bedrooms and micro area. My section 8 inspector told me they have some wiggle room up or down but that the rental amount chart from the sec 8 office is a good guideline where to price your rent.

I would also ask them for the list of items that must be in working order to pass your section 8 inspection. Once you have the list, you can walk through the house and make sure the unit checks all the requirements. This will save you from failing an inspection over something small and having to waste more time on getting a re-inspect.

Here’s the process:

List your rental on the open market near the rent cap and specify that you are accepting sec 8. Once you have some sec 8 voucher holding tenants contact you, run your typical screening process and pick the tenant who best meets your criteria. Ask for their landlord packet and meet them in person to get the packet. Fill out the packet and return it to the sec 8 office that manages their voucher. The office will then schedule your inspection. Once you pass, the inspector will tell you how much the sec 8 program will pay you each month toward rent and how much the tenant will owe you each month. This split is based on their income level. On the day you pass inspection, sign your lease with the tenant and set up a move in date. Get all your deposits, pet fees, first months rent (tenants portion) before giving them the keys. Once they have moved in, the office will begin direct depositing their portion each month.

Hope this helps!