I purchased a SFH in Cleveland, Ohio and I'm having trouble renting it out. It's a 3 bed, 1 bath renting for $1100 in a C/B- neighborhood.
It could use some updating, but otherwise rentable. However, my property manager is having the hardest time finding a qualified tenant. I found one self-paying tenant with a 530 credit score and eviction history. Another is Section 8 and unemployed.
I’m open to Section 8, but my property manager says that the house won’t qualify and that it will need repairs such as:
- Fresh paint in some areas
- Garage door (garage is good, but door is missing)
- Filled cracks in driveway
- Power washing of outside
- One New window (has very small hole)
- Phone jack removed
- Lawn mowed
I’m curious if this is all necessary for Section 8. I can understand some things, such as new window, but are cosmetic improvements such as paint and power washing really necessary for Section 8 approval?
Also, any general advice on finding a well-qualified renter or screening tenants would be appreciated. It’s been on the market for 30 days at this point and I’m worried that I’m not going to find someone to rent to.
