Section 8 rentals - Washington State

[Sandra Regnell]

Am I required to participate in Section 8 if someone with a voucher applies?

I listed my requirements and the applicant told me, before applying her income didn’t meet minimum requirements.

I am not well versed in Section 8 but the 3x the rent applies to the portion she would pay only so she may qualify (though I had not realized this was the case).

Given an adversarial Section 8 application and one of 2 relocating professionals, must I choose the Section 8 just because I may have to prove I didn’t discriminate?

My home is in a beautiful neighborhood, very desirable ranch. I’ve heard horror stories about Section 8 and wasn’t considering it would be an issue.

It didn’t start off well as this lady contacted the housing board and sent me screenshots. When I asked for her email to send her an application, she told me I had it and she was busy.

Should I hire a property manager to help? Attorney? Help!!

Thanks!!

Sandra

[Account Closed]

They will still need to meet your income requirements - with - whatever the housing authority would pay.  So, for instance, if the rent you can get for your unit is $3,000/month, and they are only approved for a max rental of $2,500, then they can't rent your unit.  So, even if 30% of their income is $500 - if they are only approved for a max $2,500 rent unit, they would be $500 short of being able to rent your unit.  They are only able to rent, max 40% of their income (and that's only if they've been in the program for 1 year without any problems, otherwise, they can only pay 30% of their income), so they can't just say they'll pay the difference - you have to agree and it must be within the guidelines and the rules.

Plus, you can still require they meet your requirements for credit score, landlord references, length of previous stay at rentals, etc.

Honestly, if you turn someone down and they want to claim discrimination, and they file a claim with HUD, it will probably take a year before the case even comes to a hearing. And in the meantime, you just plead you honestly believe you haven't broken any laws. Then, worst case, they send you to mediation and maybe, just maybe you're told you have to rent to that person - who, in the meantime, found somewhere else to live.

I wouldn't hire a lawyer until some action has been taken against you.  

People are really quick to say get a lawyer!  But, you don't need one until you need one.

Anyway, I'd put the work onto the applicant.  Tell them they have to prove that the amount they qualify for rent including their portion and the portion paid by the housing authority equals the amount of rent you are asking for, and let them know they have to pass all of your other requirements - background checks for all applicants, good landlord references of at least a year for the last two years (or whatever your requirements are).

You can google the landlord-tenant laws for WA regarding section 8, too.  WA is pretty good about providing written explanations for landlords.

You can also always just call the housing authority - or better yet, email them so it's in writing.  Ask them what the rules are.  They can't lie to you, and aren't likely to put themselves on the line by doing so.