Does anyone have experience with section 8 tenants?

[Felipe Carrillo]

BPers,

Has any had experience with section 8 tenants in the Houston area? If so, what has been your experience with the tenant and with the city? I'm leasing a property at the moment so I'm considering whether or not I should consider section 8 tenants.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Felipe

[Tony Castronovo]

@Felipe Carrillo how are you my friend? Feel free to give me a call if you want to discuss.

In brief, I never had any Section 8 tenants in my SFH's. But we have had some in our apartment complexes. Honestly, I think where people get their funds from is less of a factor. You still need to screen for all the things you would normally screen. I've had a couple awful Section 8 tenants but I think they were just awful tenants...not because they were Section 8.

The great thing is that we get the rent paid on time every time. We find our Section 8 tenants renew more and we have been able to get expected rent bumps. Some people worry about the inspections. Trust me...my standards are much higher than the Housing department so no problems there. Just keep a safe and functional property.

I use to think Section 8 tenants have no “skin in the game”. Why should they take care of your place...it’s not their money, right? Again, traditional tenants may not take care of your property. I don’t think there is a direct correlation here.

All this said, it’s just been some of my experience so far and we are still experimenting. My advice is to not shut the door on the idea...but screen them well. And make sure you understand all the related housing rules.