Section 8 question on inherited

[Eric McCarty]

Hey everyone 

I’m closing on two properties.  The first property is a 4br/2br that has a section 8 tenant currently residing in it.  She’s been there for 18.5 years and has been great; needless to say I want to keep her.  The market rent for this property is 1350.  She is currently paying 650.  I don’t know much about section 8 yet, but I do know that she has a voucher for 2br.  So the max I could charge her would be around 850; that’s what the local office told me.  Can I get her to apply for a 3br voucher or even a 4?  She has her grandson living with her as well.  What is the easiest way that I could increase her rent while still keeping her living there? 

 thanks all!!  

Eric