Increasing Section 8 Rent (Under market value already)

[Luke W.]

I purchased a duplex in October that has section 8 tenants in it. I haven't really had many problems with it, other than a minor electrical one (had to change a plug to get the circuit to work), but I believe the previous owner had them under market rent.

Each side is rented for 700, and 3 beds in that area should be going for 750 in my opinion. And, on rentometer (someone share their opinion of this site, please) they have some on the same street for 800 or more.

I don't want to screw my tenants because they have been good to have, but does section 8 allow rent increases if it is under rented? And, if so, would it affect my tenants?

If it in anyway is going to affect my tenants I am not willing to do it, but the extra 1200 or so a year would be great.

Any info or opinions would be great.

[Patrick L.]

With my local housing authority with section 8 tenants you can apply for a rent increase when the lease is up for renewal and they will decide if it's warranted. I've gotten my increases through in the past, although I rarely accept Section 8 anymore....the tenants have just been horrible in the past.