an applicant with Vouchers (Section 8) from SAHA

[Yashar Fred]

I have an interested applicant who receives SS and is on Section 8 housing assistance via San Antonio Housing Assistance (SAHA). The applicant makes 1900$ monthly and will be responsible for 689$ from the entire rent. 

This still meets the criteria as she is making x3 times the part of the rent that she is in charge of. 

I have not had Voucher tenants before, I am thinking about asking double deposit as they are not making employment and salary criteria. I have heard these tenants are difficult particularly with the house maintenance and timely payments that I why I like to have more of a security deposit, just in case no payment or damage to the house happens. how more fair can it become?   If you have worked with tenants on Vouchers, what should I be cognizant about?

[Bryan Noth]

@Yashar Fred I have had several Section 8 tenants in my San Antonio rentals (SAHA, HABC) and my experience is that while bad tenants exist, being Section 8 does not make them inherently bad.  In fact, many subsidized housing tenants take great care of the property because they risk lousing their voucher if they violate lease terms.  Most housing voucher programs have a minimum 1 year suspension until they are eligible to apply again, some as much as 3 years.  This is sacred to many voucher tenants as it is often the only avenue allowing them to live independently.  Ultimately, it comes down to good tenant screening, section 8 or not. 

As for working with subsidized housing programs the biggest thorn I have encountered is they require a property inspection that the unit must pass to be deemed eligible for voucher funding.