All Forum Posts by: Shatomma Tolliver

Hello All,

Just sharing an interesting new program that some of you may be interested in. 

I have recently made connection with a Housing Mobility Manager who is directing a new program in partnership with a major community development organization on Long Island.

This new program helps families with school-aged children who currently have a Section 8 Voucher move into communities with high quality schools, parks, open space, and healthy, safe environments.

What this means for Landlords:

Competitive Rent; The higher voucher payment amounts open up neighborhoods that used to be unaffordable to voucher holders.
 
Basically, The program is willing to pay (a higher section 8 subsidy amount) AKA more money for rental houses that are located in what they consider to be "Opportunity Areas". 

The property must be located in Nassau or Suffolk County. I have a complete list of the Eligibile "Opportunity Areas" for those that are interested, just let me know. 

I hope everyone stays well. 

Congrats on your first rental property! 

In regards to question 1, in a single family home, a section 8 tenant can (and should) be responsible for the full portion of payment of all utilities. Like any other tenant, they will start their own utility accounts and be solely responsible for payment. 

What you may be referring to is the fact that the housing authority will use a general estimate of utility expense and deduct that amount from the voucher total. For instance, 3 bedroom can receive a section 8 voucher for $2400 a month, but if utilities are not included, they will deduct for ex. $125 for oil, $75 for electric etc, etc... Leaving you with a rental payment amount of $2200. From there, like Jamal mentioned previously, based on the tenants income the tenant will have a portion of that $2200 to pay to you and section 8 will be responsible to pay the rest. 

In regards to Question 2, you don't officially get registered as a section 8 landlord until you are entering into a lease with a section 8 tenant. When you find a tenant, they will have paperwork for you both to fill out and sign. Section 8 will require the rental permit, deed etc. They will also send their own additional inspector to inspect the home and make sure it meets their requirements. As long as all paperwork is in order with you and your tenant and communication is kept with the housing authority caseworker all can be done rather smoothly, I typically estimate about 30 days. 

Question 3, the housing authority will draw up their own section 8 lease to be signed by you and the tenant, it always includes the general rental terms as well as the additional terms and rules of the section 8 voucher. I have seen landlords who draw up their own leases to have signed in addition to the one that the housing authorities provide, but I am pretty sure in a legal battle its the housing authority lease that will reign. So my suggestion to you is to communicate directly with your tenant's caseworker, ask questions and make sure all your concerns are met. 

What town will your rental be located?