All Forum Posts by: Jane Ho

Screen them just like any other tenant but consider the housing voucher as part of their income, or don't screen based on income. Maybe I'm wrong on this part, but why would you screen someone on what type of job they have? So long as they aren't a dirty person, and they're not going to damage my property because of it, I don't care what their job is. If they're a dirty person, you'll know when you meet them. I've heard some people suggest meeting potential tenants at their current residence to see how they treat the property which will tell you how they'll treat yours. As for the credit score, determine what your minimum credit score will be for screening any tenant and stick with that. You'll probably have to turn many away because of this, this should be a standard screening point across all applicants. 

@Jane Ho With regard to screening I check all references and actually call and speak with the references. I would use social media to get a view on a person. You can find a ton of information on people. I run background and eviction checks. Credit score may be bad over a simple $200 medical bill or similar. My section 8 tenants have been wonderful. Good luck and keep us posted.

I'm sure that my advice will vary depending on everyone's location but give your Housing Authority a call. I purchased my first property last year and inherited a section 8 tenant and I've had many questions. The HA has been helpful in answering my questions, but I understand that not everyone has the same luck. Make friends with the local HA and I'm sure you'll be setting yourself up for success with section 8. Just make sure you screen tenants heavily. 

@Jane Ho Welcome! Several Section 8 tenants are Seniors and on Social Security income. Many are not Seniors but disabled on Social Security income. So their income will not change except for COL adjustments which are nominal usually. Section 8 also has people that work but still dont make much money so a Section 8 voucher helps them afford a place to live. There are many types of tenants on Section 8. Good luck and keep us posted.

 I can only speak for the Cleveland markets, All leases are 1 year, then MTM after that. We have had tenants for years and years. It is very rare they will lose their voucher; they hold on to those like gold LOL. I have tenants were they have it in their family for generations, sad, DO NOT buy a rental without PM in place especially if you plan on Sec 8 .   

@Jane Ho Great question! I believe the only way they lose their qualification is if they break a violation while your leasing to them. 

 How do you see this happening?  Do you think she will come out and tell him to stop building?  My contractors would ignore such a request,  I know this because I had a lawyer tell my crew to stop.  I told them to continue.  "Two bit" (my name for this lawyer) has threatened to sue me a few times.  Nothing.  He now calls me various swear words.  he is a bully that when called out is a wimp.  I have told him I would be going for legal fees if he brings any meritless suit.  he just had a little swearing tantrum.

There is a chance she raises a stink and your contractor decides he does not want to get involved.  There is only one way to find out that I can see.

I think it is unlikely she will do anything.  It benefits her to have you put up a new fence.  She would be stupid to obect, but sometimes people are stupid.

Good luck

Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.  

I would do what I want and not worry about the neighbor.  In this case it appears you need a new fence.  Put one up.  What are the neighbors going to do?  Complain about a new fence?  so what if they do?

Do not sweat the small stuff.  

Good luck

I would recommend Scott Saunders at API Exchange