Section 8 pricing question

[Tim Coppola]

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if someone can tentatively accept a section 8 applicant based on if the program agrees to the rent being advertised. In other words, if I am asking for $2300/month and a section 8 voucher holder applies, can I start the process and then turn them down if the program says I can only charge $2000/month? I am willing to rent to someone with a voucher but I do not want the government telling me I need to lower my rent in order to do so.

Thanks in advance for your insight,

Tim

[Scott M.]

@Jonathan Klemm Your question directed at @John Warren was "What if the voucher doesn't cover but the tenant is more than willing to make up the difference? I would think you can not deny them in that case?"

Accepting a "side deal" to make up rent is against the rules of Sec. 8 and can get both the landlord and tenant kicked off of Sec 8. Regardless of the voucher amount, prior to the tenant moving in Sec 8 will tell the landlord the rent they will pay and the breakdown between Sec. 8 and the tenant.  If that is less then the rent you were seeking you are not allowed to ask the tenant to pay the difference.  Huge no no.