Questions to ask propecrice section 8 tenants

[Eric McCarty]

Hey BP community

I have some prospect tenants that are section 8. Im new to section 8 and how it works but I think I understand it enough. What questions should I be asking a section 8 prospective tenant? Should be I worried about section 8 tenants right now? Mainly concerned with New York State moratorium.

Thank you!

Eric

[Jennifer Donley]

@Eric McCarty, I would be cautious with some of the advice here.

First - your screening criteria needs to be the same for all applicants, regardless of their income source.  Otherwise, you run the risk of Fair Housing violations, as Charlie mentioned.  

Second, I think your risk of eviction issues is actually less with Section 8 tenants since some portion of the rent, maybe all, is coming from the government

I only take Section 8 tenants and have great tenants - I'm not owed a dime of rent from any of my Section 8 tenants and they take good care of my properties, so good S8 tenants are out there, I promise.  

I have a meticulous screening process (and would if I took market tenants too).  

For Section 8 tenants, you will want to get a copy of their voucher or some sort of proof that they are qualified for Section 8, able to move at this time and qualified for the number of bedrooms in your property.

I require $1,750 per month in income from my Section 8 tenants (I would require 3x the rent in net income if I took market tenants).

Otherwise, my requirements are the same.

One thing regarding screening that most people don't' do but is a screening must in my opinion - do a home visit at their current residence as the last part of the screening process.  

Feel free to reach out if I can help further.