Section 8 Multifamily Ownership to Build Wealth

[Gurpreet Padda]

The Section 8 Housing Program offers financial assistance to access low-cost housing, sometimes referred to as the housing choice voucher program.

According to the latest figures, about 2.2 million households by low-income earners receive subsidized rent through the section 8 housing choice voucher program.

Since the government takes care of a large chunk of rent payment, the section 8 multifamily subsidized housing program has a massive advantage over traditional rental contracts. We examine how a shrewd property owner can tap into the program and build wealth.

What is the Section 8 Program?

Under the program, the government pays a percentage of the tenant’s rent directly to section 8 landlord whose property is in the listing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Management (HUD) funds the program by paying, on average, 70% of a section 8 tenant's rent and utility bills.

A family must typically earn under 50% of the median income in a given area to qualify for HUD Section 8 relief.

Section 8 Multifamily Home Ownership

Homeownership and maintenance under the program can involve financial support from the HUD. The owners can also access conditional government subsidies when renovating, building new homes, or putting up properties for a mortgage.

The homeowner must set aside units to house the low-income American population under the section 8 housing list.

Section 8 landlord application can be lengthy and costly, involving a lot of paperwork, a waiting period, and property inspection. It can take up to 5 months to get approval.

Multifamily homes are properties with up to 4 units, and still qualify as a single residence from lending standards. These can be townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, or apartments with up to four units. Five units and above are multifamily, but usually require a commercial mortgage.

Most multifamily dwelling property owners rent them out to residents. They are great for generating a higher monthly rental income with lower maintenance costs, so you can rely on property to build wealth over time.