New Jersey - Section 8

[Brett Baginski]

I recently listed my property for rent (first time), and one of the tenant inquiries asked if section 8 was accepted.  I read the laws in NJ and it sounds like I cannot flat out refuse to rent based on section 8.  Is the best response, "The property has not been approved for section 8."?  In NJ, if you have a tenant looking to rent that is section 8, are you required to have a section 8 inspection done?  

[Justin McElroy]

Yea - I've gotten that same question a couple of times. Apparently there are slumlords out there that are telling these tenants that they don't accept section 8. Which is a shame for the responsible people who just for whatever reason, can't get a job that can provide them a decent living. I've heard great stories with section 8 tenants (it's guaranteed rent!), it just depends on the tenant.

to answer your last question, yes - income qualifications are okay, as long as you apply them to all applicants, equally. I wouldn't say that you would be ruling out section 8 tenants with that qualification standard, as i don't know the limits to qualify for section 8, however, i would be surprised to find someone in the section 8 program that makes that much every month.

Hope this is helpful!