How do you screen Section 8 tenants?

[Noam Birnbaum]

Hey folks,

I'm starting to make my rental units available for Section 8 tenants.

Based on the research I've done, it seems that a standard credit check might not always be appropriate; after all, many Section 8 tenants simply won't have stellar credit. However, in the case of Section 8, this isn't necessarily a good reason to deny them tenancy.

I have read of some landlords actually going over to visit the Section 8 applicant's current home, to ensure they treat their living spaces well. I'm uncomfortable with this because it seems rudely intrusive. (Is it even legal?) It's also a significant amount of additional work for my property manager.

Do you have other suggestions for how to do a good background check for Section 8?

Thanks!