Personally, I love to hate ‘em.
But the question is…do you have to rent to Section 8 tenants if you don’t want to?
I hear this one a lot, and my answer may surprise you. But first…
Why I Hate Section 8
Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea of Section 8 in its purest original form – a temporary subsidy for underprivileged, low-income folks to help with their housing while they get back on their feet.
And for landlords…basically guaranteed rent from the government. And who wouldn’t want that, right?
Me. I don’t want it.
Because after many very frustrating (to say the least) experience with Section 8, I’m convinced the system is flat out broken.
- I’d say for every person who legitimately needs the program, there’s a dozen or more who are basically deadbeats, working the system, living off my taxpayer dollars for as long as humanly possible. Sorry if that offends you, but that’s what I’ve seen.
- The Section 8 inspectors I’ve dealt with are notorious for always failing you at least once, no matter how nice your property is. It’s like they feel it’s their job to always fail you the first time.
- And their nit-pickiness is flat-out mind blowing at times.
As an example of the last two points, I had one inspector pull out his pen, and tell me that if he was able to stick it under a single fleck of paint (on my freshly painted window sill) and pull it up, then he’d have to fail me for “peeling paint”.
I’ve also had one inspection result in a laundry list of silly items to “repair”, then after painstakingly tending to all of them, failed again on the second inspection due to a whole different set of “repairs” that weren’t even mentioned or noted on the last inspection.
Bottom line, I’m out. Section 8 can have their guaranteed rent – I’ll take my chances with regular tenants and common sense.
Why People Say You Can’t NOT Rent to Section 8
Whether you love or hate Section 8, you’d at least think that it should be the property owner’s right to make the decision on whether or not to participate in the program, right?
Well as you may have heard, there’s a disturbing trend emerging of municipalities across the country changing the ground rules to keep you from being able to say “No” to Section 8 tenants. One way they’re doing it is by amending laws to now prohibit landlords from discriminating based on a person’s source of income. In short, this means that if someone has a housing voucher and can make the rental amount requested, the landlord must accept the voucher.
I say this is a gross violation of our property rights. But nobody in charge cares what I think.
How to Legally NOT Rent to Section 8 Tenants
Quickie disclaimer: I’m not giving legal advice here. Please use or don’t use this at your own risk, consult your attorney first and all that good stuff, OK?
That said, here’s my clever trick for getting around this…
Yes, we already have a “source of income” discrimination clause around here. So when I get a call from a prospective tenant, I can’t simply tell them, “Sorry, no, I don’t take Section 8”, or I’d be discriminating based on their source of income.
But remember those ridiculous inspections I mentioned earlier? Well I’m not aware of any law that requires me to have our houses 100% passable by the stringent Section 8 standards.
So basically whenever someone asks me if I take Section 8, my response is,
“Well, we always accept applications and application fees from anyone, Section 8 or otherwise. However in my experience, Section 8 tends to have a hyper-stringent property inspection that borders on the ridiculous. We’ve had properties in the past fail for a single fleck of peeling paint on one window sill, even though the entire house is freshly renovated and in excellent condition. So with this in mind, we’ll gladly accept your application. But we cannot promise you that our house will pass that level of inspection from Section 8. In fact, I’d be really surprised if it did.”
Problem poetically solved.
That’s always been enough to send them on their way, and also keep me in safe territory legally, since I didn’t turn them away – I just gave them fair warning of the likely outcome. Once I say this, they just move on.
So there you go. If, like me, you’d rather stick a hot poker in your eye than work with Section 8, this could be a way to let you have your cake, while keeping you out of hot water.
So what are your thoughts and feelings with Section 8?
I’m all ears, so leave a comment below and let’s hear it.
smart man
Wow and I follow you no more
I guess my biggest complaint about Section 8 is that they can be months behind and you can’t evict or charge late fees. So you have a tenant living in your unit who you have to pay for and tie up your money until the government gets their stuff together. I don’t think it is fair for the government to think landlords should give them interest free loans.
I agree 110%. In my county, new inspection guidelines have just gone into effect, and it’s like dealing with the Huns. I have to paint every square inch of every unit between tenants now. Any subtle shading differences of the paint causes a fail, including on ceilings. And this is for tenants that will have the paint filthy within the 1st month. And on and on.
Nationwide, the average Sec 8 tenant now stays on the program 8-9 years, versus 5 years when what’s-his-name took office. Another in a long line of govt programs run amok, completely broken, lacking any accountabilty, exacerbating the welfare plantation, etc. But lots of voters for you-know-who.
Great article…I’ve failed for peeling paint on an exterior noted at the top of gable….turned out it was bird poop. Crazy
Why’s that, Smart One? I take it something in this article rubbed you the wrong way? I’m always open-minded and love a great discussion…what specifically do you disagree with?
I’d like to hear all about Smart One’s section 8 success stories as a REI, that is unless he himself is a section 8 renter, which per his comment appears he is, and to think he had no issue with taking advantage of the free information you provide through your website to help REI’s… Go figure. Any way, keep on keeping on JP, because you da-man…:-)
Several-Layers-of-Horror Story: A friend tried to be a landlord and prepared his property for Section 8 tenants. Put a “sort-of” friend in as a tenant. Problem was, he realized quickly the deadbeat nature of the friend. This tenant was always several months in arrears on the “tenant” portion of the monthly rent. Yes, in California, at least, Section 8 does not always pay the entire rent.
So several $350 co-payments were always owing, and whenever my friend felt like “getting tough” and collecting it, some not-so-veiled threats came from the tenant that a new inspection would reveal several major and minor “fails” in the property. A “fail” of this type means Section 8 would stop sending payments as well, until the place was safe for habitation — including any imaginary-or-microscopic yet peeling paint.
Result: Stalemate, and the deadbeats lived for another year in the property without paying their share. Then their kid played with matches in the garage and the whole place burned down.
Happy Ending! Because there were no injuries, the deadbeats moved on, and the insurance paid out.
Ha ha, a tragedy with a happy ending indeed, Mitch!
Hey J.P we recently evicted our 1st tenant of 8 years and she was our only section 8 thus far. She really left it a mess, thought not because she was section 8. The funny thing is section has continued to pay us for the last 4 month electronically even when we called and sent in the required paper stated that she was evicted on April 14th 2013.
3 weeks ago as I was doing some maintenance at the property a 3rd party section 8 inspector shows up to inspect the property. I told him we evicted her back in April and he looked at me like I was alien ! What a total waste of our tax payer dollar X 10.
Not sure we will ever rent section 8 again, interested in special needs housing though as I
heard rents can be charged per bedroom and can be 2 1/2 – 3 times average rents.
Anybody have any experience in this arena ?
Best Regards Dale @ American Property Alliance Chicago, IL.
Eight years of uninterrupted payments? Don’t complain at all. We have to assume your government check came faithfully every month, or you would have mentioned it.
After 8 years, almost every landlord in the business should expect a substantial renovation of the property, Section 8 or not. You’re looking for a greater return from Special Needs housing? That’s a different matter.
Yours is actually a Section 8 success story.
JP — I’ve looked at your “Seems legit” cartoon three times today. And laughed out loud three times.
Section 8 does not seem to work well for single family properties but does work well with multifamily properties. A HAP contract allows you to effectively receive 100% subsidy payments even if you have vacancies. Section 8 & single family seems to require too much work for the guaranteed rent benefit.
Great advice JP! I’ve already prepared my speech.
Very diplomatic and honest way to handle rental requests from section
8 tenants. It’s true that most landlords don’t have the time and/or
financial resources to jump through all the inspection hoops.
However, I’ve never had a problem getting a home to pass the
inspections. This probably depends more on the properties location
and who the inspector is. So far, section 8 tenants are the
golden ticket… of course everybody’s experience with their tenants is different.
Last I looked, Sec. 8 requires a one year lease. Mine are only 6-9 months. Month to month is even better. Problem solved. Another thing I’ve told potential tenants is that “Oh, I’m sorry, we’re not part of the Sec. 8 program, we’re not set up for that. They require inspections and so on that can take weeks to complete, and we tend to rent our places faster than that.”
I agree that many (esp. in this Obama era) on Sec. 8 are deadbeats and worse, but there are some who really do need the program, temporarily, as it was designed. I am open to that, and screen them like anyone else. Trust me, there is usually a legit reasons to turn them down if you are concerned. I always ask callers “where do you work?” (some are part of the working poor, I want to know that), and if they don’t work, I ask “Oh. What do you do all day?” Their answer speaks volumes. “Volunteer at my kids’ school” is way better than “mostly play video games” (both actual answers). Despite my screening, I have a few Sec. 8 tenants now, of both varieties. And I’ve evicted some (they CAN be evicted like anyone else). By law Sec. 8 has to keep paying until the day the court orders them out. Sometimes, as noted above, the checks come for months after, could be enough to cover the damages and/or their unpaid rent share.
The
article is very interesting as many landlords are facing the same problem with
the Section 8. Not everywhere the Section 8 pays the entire rent. And the money
is given to a tenant who will or won’t give it to you…When screening tenants you have to choose
someone who won’t violate your lease terms. Moreover talking about the
disadvantages, Section is more restrictive than renting your property to
private tenants (for instance, it will affect the amount of rent you can charge
for the rental property). All Section 8 leases have to be a fixed term tenancy
lasting 1 year or more. So if you have some problems with your tenants it’ll be
rather hard to evict him from your house.
Excellent feedback, Thos. Never thought of the “my lease is less than a year” angle… No law says you have to have a year lease… so that’s an easy disqualify-by-default if you need/want it. Thanks for commenting!
Peeling paint is a hazard to your health. I think any landlord who thinks it’s okay to have peeling paint is also a deadbeat. Which is a REAL reason a lot of property owners don’t accept section 8. To judge someone by their income is just as bad as being a freaking racist. Jeez guys this made me sick to my stomach. I have had some very good tenants on section 8. Try screening your tenants, and not just giving your place a cosmetic makeover. Fresh paint doesn’t peel unless their is moisture and mold under that paint job. Lol and that’s a law suit from any tenant section 8 or not. 🙂
HAHAHAHAHA
Why don’t you take these issues up with your government, and I’m not talking about Obama bigots! This country allows people with 2 million in their savings to benefit from programs like this and sit on their assets all day playing video games. Everyone benefiting from these programs are not poor. So it kills me to here ignorant uninformed people state opinions on a subject they know nothing about. And while you spend so much energy trying to keep someone else from their own survival, I certainly hope that you never find yourself in the very same position. What goes around comes around 🙂
I have a daughter with lung that is only 41 years old. Very sad situation. My wife and I went to visit her a couple weeks ago. She is and has been on section 8 for a long time. Anyway, bottom line is she lives like a slob, none of her four daughters help with anything and personally I would never rent to a section 8 tenant.
Sounds like your whole reply is bs! You must be on section 8 and probably pissed because you can’t find a place to live. Believe me, most landlords are far from rich. But you section 8 tenants seem to think they are. Is that why you rent a place with section 8 and leave it like a dump site?
WHAT A FABULOUS RESPONSE!!!
you have a disgusting air of superiority
not all people who have section 8 are just “living” off the government
If Section 8 actually paid on time that would be one thing but I have managed properties that have lost thousands and thousands of dollars because they don’t increase the payments when the new lease is signed and delivered to them 2 months early as requested. They often don’t make the adjustments for A YEAR OR MORE and sometimes even then you don’t get the money. Would you want to deal with that? Does it sound fair?
So they have a little convenience in their lives. Perhaps they saved for a longer period than you would have to save. Maybe someone in their family is helping them with a family plan. What about the people who can’t afford I phone plans or phones like me? I’m on Section 8 and I get food stamps. I have a landline phone! You landlords just want to suck the blood out of everyone and put them down while you are doing it
Why do you care? It’s equal opportunity exploitation by landlords and property investments. Did you know that section 8 is the first privatization scheme of pubic housing under Nixon to give hard working people’s tax dollars to private investor thieves like you? Huh? Hmmm? Hugh?
I am a disabled man in a wheelchair and when I got on Section 8 I thought things would be easer for me. I only make $800.00 a month on disability. However so many people won’t rent to Section 8 because they have been burned by bad tenants and housing that people like me who need it suffer. I understand why people won’t take it. I have seen first hand the damaged some tenants leave a place in that where on Section 8 and they still would not pay their part of the rent. I have a flawless rental history but because of the bad eggs out there, I can’t find a safe place to live. It’s so upsetting that people have to mess things up like this for people that need it.
the misinformation in this thread is laughable, first off only the HAP contract is required by the PHA [public housing authority] which is a year, you as the landlord can set whichever lease terms you like [within the law of course] so if you want month to month, 6 months, 1 year that’s ok, the PHA is just laying out a general term of a year as most leases are signed for a year, if the tenant needs to move or the landlord needs the tenant to move [again within the law] then the HAP contract ends with the PHA. the PHA themselves [in order to stay under budget which is evil imo] along with the grapevine mentality of the general public are the mere perpetrators of the negative information that has spread like wildfire in recent years of the section 8/hcv(housing choice voucher) program. some in this thread that have there heads screwed on straight are correct in a few points: there are many sec 8 tenants that are good tenants, they are not all criminals and junkies as some will lead you to believe, it is the landlords responsibility to screen the tenants so if you end up with a bad tenant then more times than not you were not thorough in your screening process [this can happen with any tenant not just section 8] when I read through the myriad of craigslist ads I see most ads advertised as “no section 8” and that is just stupid as you are missing out on many good people not to mention discriminatory and illegal in many areas [why this isn’t illegal under FHA is beyond me] so yes section 8 is not a flawless program what program is but we are talking about low income and disabled people who need a decent place to live and to make it MORE DFFICULT to rent to good people is criminal and immoral, we are talking shelter now a BASIC NECESSITY and it is shameful to try to find loopholes in the system to exclude a segment of society.
Hilary, all your info here is wrong, the landlord can set any term lease they like and you can evict a tenant if you have a problem just like any other tenant, don’t believe the pack of lies spread by the uninformed. screen section 8 tenants just like any other tenant. also you can price your unit at same amount you would set it for any other tenants, most tenants know the market if you are pricing too high to gouge them section 8 or not no one is going to apply anyway and it will sit there empty.
Thank you for explaining and educated some landlords, because everyone that is on section 8 are not dirty and lazy people. If you screen any future tenants it will solve this bad rumors with people that has section 8. I have known people that was not on section 8 do more damage.
Thank you.
It’s not the program, it’s the people. Ugh!!!!!!!!!
Screen screen screen screen your tenants section 8…
Basically…”we’re always accepting applications.”
I live with a nice lady who is my landlord, without sec. 8. My voucher has come up. So I was thinking my landlady could sign-up to be my landlord thru sec 8 and get paid by them and I would pay the rest. I have a mental problem and it is much safer for me to be with someone than on my own. I can even get a Dr’s note.
Source of income laws do not mean that you have to rent to any Section 8 participant who can cover your rent. You as a landlord are perfectly free to say, “We always accept applications from anyone, though we require all tenants to have an annual income equal to or exceeding 35 times the monthly rent (it is virtually impossible for a Section 8 participant to meet this requirement even with their voucher) and a FICO score over (somewhere between 620 and 650 is usually good for rental properties), with no evictions in their history, and we run a background check and credit report on every applicant (paid for by application fee) to verify the information.”
Awe did the welfare mooch get their feelings hurt?
Section 8 is awful it’s rent for violent thugs. In the city I live in the section 8 neighborhoods are were most of the murders happen. I don’t think it’s just a coincidence.
I have a section 8 voucher that I can’t do anything with. No landlords will take it. I am a single mom with a beautiful 3 year old daughter. I am currently homeless because I can’t find a rental. I have no criminal record, I don’t drink or do drugs. I have no evictions. Just a little bad credit. All I want is to be a mom to my little girl. She is staying with her dad till I find housing. When mom has to leave my little girl cry’s and then I start to cry. So sad that a 3 time convicted criminal and a meth head can find housing. But a single mom with no record can not…………
Money is NOT given to the tenant! It goes straight to the landlord via auto-deposit.
I have been receiving SSDI for 8 years. I moved into this apartment 7 years ago and started receiving my Section 8 HUD voucher 2 years ago after a 4 year wait. I knew that my landlord would accept the voucher. I scraped bottom every month while waiting for my number to come up. Prior to receiving the voucher, I paid my rent in full each and every month on time.
This property borders on distressed, but had no problem passing the 2nd inspection after being informed of some minor cosmetic or other shortcoming such as a crack in an outlet or switch faceplate, or a bead of caulk needed in the bathtub. Passed again a year later.
It has been a priority of mine to keep a glowing rental history. That should be the first thing you check. (Sounds like some of you landlords don’t even bother to check with a potential renter’s prior landlords, that’s plural.) My credit rating took a hit while I was scraping bottom. That does NOT make me a slob, a bad person, nor is it an indication of inability to pay my rent. I paid my rent first and let the medical bills slide. Would you rather a tenant paid other bills before paying rent?
Unless you’re a slumlord, what’s the big deal about an inspection every other year? Just perform your due diligence and check the potential renter’s rental references, then assess a judgment. Don’t just go, “Eeew! Section 8! ? That’s discrimination.
HUD audits my financials before accepting me into their voucher program, and review them every year. I’m not allowed to have assets over $2k. Where do you see people with $2m in the bank receiving these vouchers?
My landlord receives his payment every month on time.
And not all women will divorce you and take half your money without a prenuptial. Still pays to have one.
No. It’s not. They took lead out of paint back in the 70s. Owners aren’t responsible to continually paint. A good tenant takes care of it during the course of their tenancy.
The money from section 8 is given directly to the landlord. Tenant pays their portion directly to landlord.
It takes longer to evict and different rules apply. However most tenants realize if they’re evicted especially for non payment they’ll likely lose their voucher for good.
Seems the point all of society is missing is that discrimination, regardless what the reason, is occurring and should not be tolerated. People talk about deadbeats and houses that have been trashed and then lump all assisted people together. That is discrimination morons. Basing your beliefs about a particular section of society, due to the fact of some in our society have done things. Background checks, credit checks, rental history checks should tell you who to watch out for and they are not all section 8 voucher approved.
That is alright keep bickering over scraps and who is a deadbeat, cause when that 1% keeps the 99% fighting among themselves and the 1% never has to worry.
Started looking for a home for a friend to rent today and began seeing these posts. She has 40+ hour a week job (Manager, DSP), full-time 4.0 student, but still a “deadbeat” lol who qualifies for assistance cause we fight each other and not the real problem. There is enough for everyone, but 1% has it all. Maybe if society could make enough money doing 40 hours a week, there would be no need for assistance. However, that would endanger a tax bracket for someone wealthy wouldn’t it?
I wouldn’t rent to your scumbag daughter and I would be curious at who raised a scumbag like that. point and there are always 3 pointing back at you lol
Section 8 is a disgrace whn the tenant won’t pay a difference of $100 takes FOREVER to evict them, then they totally TRASH your property, steal your copper plumbing, flood your home, leave garbage thts a disaster. Familiar wth it by a dear friend tht had a beautiful home before the trash moved in. She learned her lesson tho, never again!!!!
I just got on section 8 .if always paid my own rent worked hard. Then if feel sick lung problems. It took 11 years for me to get on section 8 .if never got put out or late on rent..I cleaned apartments had a good business. And I understand why people do not want to take it.but its hurt others that are good people to rent to
Well of course landlords should check references, but you’ve never been a landlord? It’s always the nicest people who turn out to be deadbeats and they are skilled in slight-of-hand when filling out applications.
I have been a landlord.
Do you check all references? And not just the last job and landlord reference? I always asked for employment and landlord references going back at least 5 years.
Have you tuned up your bs detection meter lately?
You’re an asshole.
Except for the taxpayers. How about not accepting it for the moral & ethical reason that you don’t agree with the program?
I’m in the same situation as you. I am also homeless due to not being able to find a home with a voucher. i make decent money, work hard everyday. I have four beautiful children that plays sports, no criminal history whatsoever. i feel the same way as you. but i refuse to live in a violet community for a place to stay.
Tell me how peeling paint on a facia board is a health hazard. If you like Section 8, you sound like you are new at this or have rentals that are hard to rent. I like free enterprise. We should be allowed to rent our property to whomever we want. Experience tells me that tenants with good credit, good job, non-smoker, no vicious breed dogs, and good references are good tenants and it has nothing to do with discrimination. The properties that I have taken over that had formerly been Section 8 rentals are so trashed and abused that I wonder why anyone would want to deal with all the problems.
There are loopholes in the system. I had some “Low-Income Buyers” who qualified because their interest income on their savings qualified them. They had enough to pay cash for the property, but since their “income” fit the criteria, they were able to buy a $120,000 foreclosure Condo for $39,000. The government was requiring that they be offered to low-income buyers first and their “income” was low. It was a stupid program. They were “yuppie” condos, A true “low-income” buyer probably would have a family (condo was a 1-Bedroom), the HOA fees were high, a low-income person couldn’t afford it, and all bedrooms were upstairs. Many “low-income” people are elderly on SS or retirement income and unable to climb stairs. So, most of the Condos sold to people who just knew how to work the system.
No, it isn’t fair. So why deal with them?
I work in a building where the food stamp office and a lot of other “assistance” offices are located. It really bothers me when I see people going upstairs to apply for Food Stamps & Welfare who just drove up in a new car with an I-phone, expensive processed hair style (hi-lights, low-lights, frosted, etc.) and sculptured nails ($25/week) go to get their entitlement. I had a Section 8 tenant one time who bought a NEW Firebird and cussed me out because I questioned how she could afford a new car when she couldn’t afford to pay her own rent. It’s a valid question. I reported her to the Housing Authority and she took the car back. I think that if our schools would teach kids how important it is to get a good education and pick a field that would support them in a lifestyle they want, people wouldn’t have to be on welfare. I taught my kids that you need to keep good credit, work hard, and that their weekly gross income was going to determine where they would live. I think it actually cripples people to give them too much. When our system pays out more than they could make if they worked, it takes the motivation away.
You’re so full of it. You live in a dream world if you actually think there are tenants out there who are perfect. And even thinking they are would make that person a very poor landlord. Maybe you? I live next door to a bldg. with several Section 8 tenants who DO work, Do have clean apts., Do not smoke, Do pay their bills, etc. Perhaps you might know one or 2 individuals who are otherwise, just as I know several who are not on Section 8 who I would never consider renting to. Wake up from your dream lady.
I am so close to knowing where you work. Watch out bitch–your job is in danger.
How does that even make sense? If they were handed more than they could make working why in the HELL would they WANT to work you asshole?
You are the reason that we need laws to protect people from discrimination.. Your advice on circumventing the law is down right cruel… If you really understood the hoops some people have to jump threw just to survive when they are a single parent maybe, just maybe you might have a different perspective.. Somehow I still doubt it… Inspectors or not the level of homelessness and lack of vacancies is down right disturbing and your level of discrimination and lack of humanity in this regard is beyond my comprehension.. I truly hope someday you are down on your luck and feel the hurt, disappointment and fear that families feel when people like you treat them like some form or lower class simply because they need help getting there family safe. The world could use a few less people like you, because compassion is part of being a member of society and our countries lack of understanding and compassion is part of the problem not the solution. I honestly hope you have a chance to see the struggles that people go threw and just maybe you might find your humanity in the process.. God bless.
Hello, Ii would try to post something logical in hopes that you have an ounce of humanity but reading over some of your past posts on other subjects made me realize that you probably wouldn’t understand. The lack of intelligence and compassion you express is pure ignorance. You have no understanding of things beyond your own selfishness..
Yes there are people that use and even abuse the system, just like there are immoral people who own multimillion dollar companies…. There will always be good and bad with any situation but I don’t understand why people seem to think its ok to discriminate against ALL people on section 8!?!? Our country is build on the premises of helping people back on their feet, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Do you people even know where this is written and what it means!?!? Some how people can’t even see how prejudice they are being, discrimination can happen for many reasons and apparently being poor means you are less of a human being to some people. How do you not see how ignorant that is???? Being poor or needing help is not a sign of weakness and it sure as hell doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a chance to live in a safe and secure home!!! Wow everyday I loss more faith in humanity as a whole.
What you would like is to post something to stroke your ego and make yourself feel better. You want to tell yourself your not a loser for being on welfare but you are! You can say you never know when you would need help as I often hear but I’ve been there already and still asked for no help! So know I will never rely on other people’s hard earned money because I’m not a loser!
Keep in mind that the fact they have something does not mean they paid full price for it recently. It may have been a gift. It may have been from before their welfare days…people do lose jobs and fall on hard times. In my neighborhood, which is well off, you can find designer clothes with tags attached in the thrift stores for five bucks. The new car might be a friend or Uber. People are not treated well if they look poor so they might try not to.
I am asking for first and last months rent plus a deposit. I have had all most every one ask if I accept these vouchers. My reply is I accept them as long as you meet all other criteria’s which are the following. Good Credit, pass all tenants checks and have the total money required at the signing of the lease. Is this all good to say?
I just had a tenant give me a voucher for section 8, we have them on a month to month lease currently. Doesn’t anyone know if I have to accept it in California? This is my first property and can’t afford to make all their changes and I’m getting really to sell the property and I don’t want to be a landlord anymore. I have been researching for hours and cannot find a flat out answer since they are currently a regular tenant.
Then he’s one out of one a kind. Was your section 8 temporary?
You’re full of ? if you think all Section 8 tenants leave their homes looking like a dump site.
And this pertains to Section 8 rental vouchers how?
No.
Regarding smart phones- When I was working I found myself moving often and having to pay $85 to move my land line so I dumped it and kept my celaphone number. I have received free upgrades mid contract and free phones for switching plans. Some companies will even buy out your old contract and give you a new one, so you FAIL on that part of your argument.
Did he do a background check on the sort of friend? If not, he only has himself to blame.
Did you do a background check on the prospective tenant? If not, your only has himself to blame.
The landlord is very lucky then as it is not the norm. Some landlords fight for years just to get the legal rent increase when the tenant signs a renewal. Anyway…best of luck. I hope you get back on your feet soon.
35x the monthly rent?!! WTF?! I was renting a 2 br condo when my daughter was living with me for $1400/mo, which was a deal back then, and I was only making about $35k/year.
That’s a bull ? clause if ever I heard one. According to your guidelines, I would only be able to rent a shoe box, or a frig box if I was lucky.
And just because someone got laid off during a big recession and fell behind bills while still paying their rent doesn’t make them bad tenants.
BULL FN ???
It’s a standard clause in professionally managed properties catering to the middle class and above and falls in line with the general financial recommendation that one shouldn’t be spending more than a third of one’s gross income on housing.
Angry and wanting to take the fact that he never made anything of him self. So he like to pick on those he perceives to be less fortunate than himself. You need to elevate yourself and maybe you wont be so angry and mean. Try going back to night school to finally finish up your high school diploma, then maybe you can pick something relatively simple to study at some local community college. Get yourself a real job and contribute more than verbal venom to this world. Buh-bye :).
I suggest you get out of this field. Yet I can’t think of one where you would fit in. Maybe a garbage collector cause you’re trash.
You must be one NOSEY bitch to know where these applicants go, what they have, how much it costs, etc. You are NOT the person for this job. Take your predjudiced attitude elsewhere.
What would you do if your “None Section 8” tenant late their 2 – 3 payments and or broke your wall? I believe you would be more headache with the lawsuit to collect a few dime back.
With Section 8 tenant I don’t think they are late payment or dump enough to violate rent agreement and the housing rule because they don’t want to lost their Section 8.
Some peoples look good out side but might not good inside ! 🙂
Not all. Just most.
Any property in Massachuestts built before 1978 must be deleaded otherwise cannot rent to family with children under 6, a very expensive exercise, but we did it. CA does not seem to have same requirement
We always require credit score of 675 or highter, proof of income and at least a one year lease. How does that fit into section 8 program?
in virginia landlords are forced to paint and recarpet a rental every 5 years as needed……..
Yes because society’s parasites never figure out ways to scam the system.
Typical reply of a welfare parasite who can’t stand someone having a different opinion. Want everyone else to be jobless as well.
You can definitely evict. The rules are a bit different but you can evict. The advantage is they won’t get section 8 again.
My humble opinion is to let them know you can’t afford to make the requested changes so you’ll have to issue them a notice to vacate.
Since the evictions can take longer you may want two months security rather than one (2 is the maximum in California).
No it’s not. It’s similar to owners who’ve had a bad experience with pet owners whose pets destroyed their property. It leaves a bad taste in their mouth and they don’t want to deal with pets in the future. Human nature.
Meaning the monthly rent amount must be 35% or less of your monthly gross income.
Yes, what?
Do you even bother to look at applications from prospective Section 8 tenants, or do you just blow them off?
HUD will send someone to inspect the unit before accepting that landlord/unit into the program. I was already living in a unit where my landlord accepted the voucher. He only needed to perform some minor maintenance to get it accepted. If you have major issues, then they will not accept your unit.
Did you perform thorough background checks on your prospective tenants? If not, you only have yourself to blame.
One shouldn’t pay more than 35% but skyrocketing rents in just about every major urban area and its surrounding areas have pushed that percentage up to more than 50%. Wages have not kept up with rents. 45 years ago I learned that figure was only 25%.
Did you perform thorough background checks on your prospective tenants? If not, you only have yourself to blame.
You mean you have no compassion for those of us who have fallen on hard times, or have fallen due to a disability? There are people working FT for a Walmart somewhere and still qualify for S8. That’s how bad they pay their employees, that’s how bad wages have stagnated , and that’s how bad rents have skyrocketed.
Maybe you’d just rather have us all homeless and wandering about your neighborhood instead?
And if a tenant doesn’t work but has verifiable income? You can’t ask what they do all day. You’re just a bigot as evidenced by your Obama remark.
Unfortunately, CA SB1053 died in committee this year. It would have among other things, prohibit S8 discrimination, including statements in rental ads that say “No Section 8,” or something similar. You sound like a half decent landlord.
Discrimination.
I’ll slap upside the head any bigoted landlord who refuses S8 vouchers unilaterally and then wonders where are all these homeless people coming from.
Sorry but section 8 tenants are trash. My mom rented to a section 8 tenant against my advice believing that she would never have a prob with getting rent because the voucher program vs. A working person who can lose their job and suddenly has no rent money. The section 8 tenant was her first tenant and last tenant. We lived in a two family home, roach and rodent free, she rented the one family as an apartment, newly renovated. $750 in NYC! I REPEAT – $750 IN NYC, GAS and Electric Utilities included! Tenant paid approx. $100 monthly. Quiet Queens neighborhood, residential with PARKING available on the premises and street parking is abundant in the neighborhood – IN NYC! the tenant would beg my mom for money weekly claiming she had no food but she received maximum food stamps for her household and SSD (tenant claimed she and her boyfriend were “former” heroine addicts). I begged my mom NOT to give them money, but she wouldn’t listen. Tenant moved her boyfriend and daughter in but rent remained the same. Her boyfriend was having mail sent regularly to the address. He told us he was receiving SSD and food stamps too BUT they would constantly beg for money! The police were constantly coming to the home because they were allegedly harboring fugitives who were their relatives. One cop brandished his gun at my sister while searching, thank God his nerves were under control. Laundry/wash room was not included so they had no access to the washroom, BUT they broke the lock so that they can access the washer and dryer when we weren’t home. They stopped paying their cable bill so they disconnected our cable wires and connected them to their units. Then suddenly she stopped paying her $100 portion of the rent! They were evicted 8 months later, then they had their friend sue us because he claimed he was injured on our property while helping them move out of the apartment. He lost his lawsuit because lack of evidence. 8 years later, her family, friends, and associates come by from time to time asking if we would rent the apartment and begging to b our tenants because the property is mint condition and price was unbeatable. My mom refused to have another tenant but it worked out for my younger bro who lives there now. Never EVER rent to Section 8. Take the application so you wont be sued but choose another tenant. It’s not worth it.
Not true at all. My mom evicted her sect 8 tenant for non payment, you can read my family’s horror story above
I truly can understand why landlords have a problem renting section 8. I don’t dispute that some voucher holders of the section 8 program are dirty filthy animals !! It makes me so angry to see what’s done to people’s property. How can you treat people property that way ! Believe me, It not all people that utilizes the section 8 program that destroys property. My sister and her Navy Chief husband decided to rent out their home because he got deployed. On their return, they had over $10,000 in damages, and the tenants skipped out on more than 3 months behind in rent payments. These were not section 8 tenants. I divorced. Worked hard all of my life raising my children. Sometimes working 2 jobs. I became ill and could no longer work a job after 2 of my children were grown up and on their own. It is just me and my youngest son that have severe autism. We needed the section 8 program to assist with some of the rental payments in order for the 2 of us to afford decent housing. I have never, ever been late on my portion of the rent. I do not like filth, and can’t stand to be around it. Even with suffering with a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, I always leave the property in better condition than what I found it, because that is just how I live. Now with no landlords wanting to except section 8 anymore. My son and I are forced to live in cheap, really bad neighborhoods where there are drug dealing, and drive by shootings. Where there is trash thrown all over the grounds. Filthy mouth uncontrolled teenagers. My son is an adult in age, but humble and childlike mentally. I keep him inside at all times. He is not ever allowed outside unless we are walking from the door to a car. He does not understand the danger of living in this sort of neighborhood, but I do. I just don’t think that people like my son and I should suffer because others destroy people’s property. I do not like getting assistance from section 8 because I have been independent all of my life, and took care of myself and family. Because I am now ill, almost 60 and can not work, and need assistance. Why should my son and I be punished along with the bad ones ?!! It is not fear too us !!
actually landlords are required to paint and clean the carpets with each new tenant…
Also its tenants responsibility to keep the unit clean, pay the agreed upon utilities,and abide by the rules.. However, you should be ashamed of yourself, due the fact that its the landlords responsibility for upkeep, maintenance and repairs of that said unit… Otherwise your on the verge of being considered a slum landlord..
Incorrect. Cite the law.
There are plenty of situations where landlords wouldn’t paint. I rented plenty of places that didn’t have fresh paint but were more than adequate because the prior tenant took good care of them. There’s no law that requires fresh paint or steam cleaning of carpets.
“As needed” is very subjective.
I purchased a townhouse in a community about two years ago. Some months previously I had toured this area, and it was well kept and attractive. After several monthsof moving here, I began to see a change. I began to noticed the general noncompliance of rules and regulations by some of the tenants. Loud music and noises, destruction of property, recreational areas misused, even house facades destroyed by unruly youth, just to name a few. Even though we have an HOA, our common areas were sometimes neglected. Those concerned homeowners and renters did their part to take up the slack. As I got to know my neighbors, I learned that the majority of the offenders were Section 8 residents. One friend was even threatened because she repeated the rule about parking on the grass because of the sprinkler system. All in all, if I had it to do over, I would have found a place in the county side with few neighbors. Our HOA seems to believe that you can’t turn away a Section 8, and ny understanding may be wrong, but I thought you could do background checks, accept applications, and choose your own tenants. I know you can’t advertise “No Section 8’s,” but I believe you can take all apps and make up your own mind.
I have a rental home in an area surrounded by section 8 rental properties, once you drive down the road you can pick out the section 8 from the other properties. Front lawn full of trash, tall grass, drive way with junk cars. Sorry section 8 is not for me, a decent credit history, background check plus employment , that is my rule., so far so good.
We had a house that we bought for my grandmother. After she died we decided to rent it out. After getting screwed by friends and family members we decided to try section 8. Put in a new furnace and fixed the place up. A mother and 2 kids moved in. Then a brother. Then a sister and her kid. Then a grandmother and her new husband. They would constantly call us to repair things that not only they caused but should have been able to fix themselves. They called us one day and said the bathroom sink was stopped up. We called the plumber and he pulled out 10 cigarettes from the drain. They broke the metal handrail from the front porch. I went over to fix it and needed inside to plug in an extension cord. They refused to let me in while they tried to evacuate the marijuana smoke. They were constantly late on their share of the rent and kept asking us to wait until she got her taxes back. Tax season came and went and we never saw any of it. We were unable to kick them out. Finally she lost her voucher for whatever reason. Took a few more rent free months to move out. We were only getting $800 but had a $650 mortgage on it. They seemed to think we were wealthy landlords or something. They had zero empathy and could care less what we were going through. By time they moved out my mother had lost more than $5000 plus the money for the new furnace and a/c. The house was damaged beyond repair and my mother had to foreclose on it. The neighbor said the tenant’s brother took the copper out of the central a/c unit.
So now 5 years later and I have enough money saved up to buy a house in a low income neighborhood and I’m trying to decide if it’s worth the effort. Or if maybe I would be better off investing in something else or saving more money and invest in a better neighborhood. I can’t imagine anything being as bad as our previous experience.
Those angry at Landlords for such policies should be angry at the tenants who jaded them. Most have tried to be good and follow government standards only to be burned. How many times should they rent to someone who destroys a property refuses to pay and causes the losses and grief. Also, before you judge. Save your entire life, buy a property and rent it to a stranger and you might think differently.
Wow, Let me start by saying that I came across this website in hopes of finding another place to live because I now need a 3 bedroom residence and I am currently in a 2 bedroom residence. With this said, it’d obvious to state that I am a Section 8 tenant. I ‘ve been living in my current rental for over 8 years now. I am also a divorced mother who takes care of my children on my own in every aspect, which is why I need assistance. I am working towards my teaching degree and have about a few short semesters to go to get it. After reading about everyone’s personal opinions I felt compelled to tell my story. And I have to state that I agree to some aspects when looking over peoples comments. Landlords these days won’t rent to most people who are Section 8 tenants because most of them have gave it a bad name. I can’t recall how many times that I have seen people coming into the Section 8 office being drugged out of their mind or “driving a brand new car”.-(I am not judging anyone here either, people act in mysterious ways when they have been through hell and back, believe me I know) BUT, with all do respect this shouldn’t be a reason to thrash properties and disrespect landlords and vise-versa. I too have heard inspectors coming into the Section 8 properties literally wearing a white glove to check for dust)- Silly right? Yet, for me when these inspections come it gives me the chance to do all the little extras, which I like and let’s face it-most of us as human beings need that “push” to clean all the window ceils, fans, carpets, etc. I usually keep my rental as clean as can be, but like I mentioned time has a tendency to get away from us busy people. I have always passed my inspection with flying colors and I usually get the same inspector and he remembers me, which I think is a good thing. He’s professional, reasonable and chill at the same time. In the end the point that I making is that programs like these were intended for people like me. Yes, you may come across those that are lying about their finances while “milking the system”, but I think it’s safe to say that people like that exist everywhere- regardless if they are Section 8 tenants. I really try my best to provide for my children, respect the property that I rent from, respect my neighbors, I am honest, I am clean, I pay on time-(always have) and Section 8 always pays on their end too. So before you shy away from every Section 8 tenant or opportunity, not everyone on it is a bad person or tenant. I mean I lived in my current rental for 8 years as mentioned previously that has to say something, right? Hope this post helped in some small way…….Have a nice day.
There can certainly be good section 8 tennants. But it really isn’t worth the risk. If someone did to my rental what some of these people have done I’d probably snap and beat theM to death. Gotta love that we all pay taxes, put a huge unimaginable debt on our children so that complete worthless scumbags can have a nice clean (for the moment) house to live in. Meanwhile people who really do have a temporary emergency need to wait 5 or 10 years for section 8 help in their “temp emergency”
Its all hopeless.
I own many single family homes that I rent to regular working ppl and ppl on sec 8. I’ve been in real estate for over 20yrs. I change no more or less regardless of income, I don’t raise the rents unless need depending on the area ect. Everyone signed a 1yr lease then I work work with each tenant on their needs depends on the individual. Because I’m a very involved property own. I also own my own remodeling business which means ALL my properties are up to living stamders. As a landlord with sec 8 tenants the same laws apply just like anyone else towards the landlord and ternate. Sec 8 don’t change the rules. I’ve never had to evict anyone in 30yrs but the law does not change! Ppl are mixing up their facts. Sec 8 or cash if they have a disability, children for non payment whatever….the law stays the same it takes the amount of time and the same process. If either does not pay their rent again the law still applies the same…. late fees can be tacked on and your lease is a binding contract either way and should be followed. Securitey deposites can be held like anyone else you can still collect compensation for any and all damages the same way. Their rent is STILL DUE BEFORE THE 10TH OF EVERY MONTH AS IT IS IN THE STAYE OF CT, like everyone else or a late fee can be attached if noted in the lease. I do receive the Housing Authorities founds for which they cover on the 15th of every month so stayed in my contact with them and if their late there’s a process I can take which is my legal right but I have never had an issue. I’m just so confused because it doesn’t matter to me which way the rents being paid as a property owner I take care of all my homes as if I live there. I want ppl to feel proud of what they live in. I’ve never had neighbors complain about any of my tenants. A lot of this information I’m reading is 110% inaccuract! So it makes me wonder if a lot of this is just plain anger and not property owners that have or haven’t delt with Sec 8 and it’s just a bunch angry individuals. Your right if you don’t want to rent to ppl on Sec 8 then don’t but plz I also worked in the clerks office in our city and none of you can say that the majority of evictions are with tenants who paid their own rents regardless of their situation the conversation is so far off ppl started with should you have the right not to rent to sec 8 ppl to their all on welfare, no job, criminals. For God’s sake!!!!! Ppl we have famous ppl who have ? ? ? and have been evicted from their homes or how about ppl that buy houses credit approved and lose them to bankruptcy lol…. ? hmmm…. and how does this happen ??!?! They didn’t pay their mortgage or rent. For goodness sack I bet all of you have demons it’s just better to put someone else down then to face what your really avoiding. Smh… I don’t hide behind anything or blotch my name because I don’t need to!
To all the recipients with vouchers and on Sec 8…. Hold your head up just like anyone else your human and don’t ever let anyone exspecially a person that has no compassion nor fact belittle your situation. This work is getting to be so freakin cruel!
Not a tenant I am a landlord. I see both sides however I wish I could show you some properties I know of from other landlords that also rent to section 8 family’s. Disgusting and let me tell you they passed some of them for years! Things that should have been violated by a building inspector never mind section 8 inspector! My point is I’m curious to really see pictures of the properties your renting just to be fair because like I said I’ve seen bad landlords and tenants and I’ve even see landlords raise rents on apartments when they find out their a section 8 holder so they can get more money. So it works both ways I see.
My comment is with much respect of your freedom of speech everyone. I’m was reading all this because I am on sec 8 however I do work, my rent is $1,300.00 the housing pays $326.00 and I pay $974.00 an month out my pocket. I had to put my pocket come up with $2,600.00 for the securitey deposit just like anyone else. I’m exspected to have my driveway plowed in the winter and sidewalks cleared in the summer I have to maintain the lawn which I purchased a lawnmower and weekwacker to do so just like anyone else. I pay my own utilities heat/hot water cooling in the summer ect. The funny thing is most people “assume “ that people receiveing this assistants are scumbags and that so far from the truth. I don’t need to justify myself when their are other programs all types of people take advantage of just because they can. First time buyer, the Rich taxes breaks, foreclosures on people who fell on hard times but then people are aloud to buy their homes from banks at lil to nothing and list goes on. You don’t even know each other but yet your on a sight high fiving one another about an issue you only know of realating to your anger not the situation of what caused the incident. A lil chipped paint then someone chimes in “Oh I know what your taking about blah blah blah! When in reality you could just all be SLUM LORDS for anybody knows. I’m glad I didnt have to experience your ignorance I love my landlord because she respects me also! How about you landlords that take money on the side for someone that might live with the tenant or because you were asking more for the rent and agreed to tell the section 8 it was less, lol I know because when I got my certificate and was looking for a decent place those were options given by these slime lords showing me these places that haven’t been updated since they were built! I guess the shoe fits shady both ways! I think the problem is that some of you let you properties go an exspect to still make profit either way and your mad because you get turned down by Section 8 because it is what it is! If it ain’t one thing it’s another this is no different then buying a car your payments go by your credit so what I see is that all of you have good credit therefore you benefit with low payments? So none of you complain that your paying no more for your vehicle because you are so outstanding!!!! Well F.Y.I people my (credit score) is a 720 before and while I’m a section 8 recipient. I can shown ANYONE OF YOU THIS! Credit is establish by paying things off and on time! Not because you think your better then anyone. This site disgusts me! I don’t plan to be on section 8 long I’m finishing up my nursing and!!!! My program is helping ME ( yes section 8 ) to buy my own home after I graduate ?WITH MY OWN MONEY!!!!! and YES like any other first time buyer I will be using that benefit as most of you on this site did…. whatever happen to finding a solution to issues…. now a days everyone has so much hate in their hearts. 80% of my family faught yes I have a military family of men and women! For all freedom there was no picking and choosing who you protected. And all I see people do is worry more about their freedom of speech usinging it to tear other people apart in hateful ways! Do something productive if you don’t want to rent to certain people then just don’t do it! Bashing people you don’t know isn’t the answer! But it tells a lot about a person. IT SAYS THAT IF ONE PERSON DOES SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT LIKE EVERYONE IN THAT GROUP YOULL ELIMINATE AS EQUAL, your awful smh and I’ll do my best not to bring my children up with the same views when engaging with others. My oth will be to care for people with blindness and caring hands, God have mercy ?
I don’t know what kind of priory owners you are or know! But you can increase rent at the renewal of a lease with section 8 as you can with anyone else. You can ask for the security deposit as long as your ask thevequal exasperated of ANY RENTER! You can ask for the fair housing rental amount for your unit as long as EVERYONE IS PAYING THE SAME AMOUNT IN THE SAME DWELLING UNITS! You may at the end of a lease change it to 6 months another year month to month. Does anyone that is complaining about the difference if renting to section 8 HUD holders have any court fact paper work showing these discrepancies? I’m a inspector for statewide inspections and what I can tell you is we check for regular building and living violations nothing more. If you thought that the inspector was just finding just cause to violate or not pass the unit you have rights I haven’t heard anyone say that they followed up with any information backing up your claim for any of the violations? If an Appartment doesn’t pass because of something YOU ALL KNOW YOU DO GET PAID AND YOU GIVEN A TIME LINE TO FIX WHATEVER THE VIOLATIONS ATE! A follow up inspection is made YOU STILL RECEIVE YOUR RENT PAYMENT and we can exstend you another 15 to 30 days depending on the work that needs to be done. After that it’s on the landlord NOT YOUR SECTION 8 Tenant! Who period wants to pay what people pay today for re t to live in a property that’s falling apart? If the landlord feels he don’t want to continue the tenancy you have the right just like the tenant to give PROPER NOTICE TO BOTH THE TENANTS AND HOUSING AUTHORITY ! The law is the law you as well needs to follow it! Stop pointing fingers and you really know nothing about what your claiming. Maybe you should not be landlords to begin with!
I will not rent to Section 8. For nearly 10 years, I posted it in my advertisements, that I would not accept it. I have ceased doing that, but will still not rent to them. They can pass all of the local laws that they want. I simply will not work with Section 8 inspectors to rectify the same issues that I would for a regular tenant. Very simple, advertise stringent background and credit requirements, no pets, and then cherry pick your tenant. Works every time.
I am not against Section 8 and believe that everyone should have a home.
This issue is if society wants landlords to accept Section 8, then these tenants need to start with respecting themselves and the landlords property! This is not gender, race, or sexual orientation based. Acting like a decent human being is something all people are capable of being.
There is a HUGE difference between people who truly need assistance for whatever reason vs deadbeats. The reality is people live off the system, destroy property, move in baby daddy/boyfriend who then moves in his friends and possibly in gangs then drugs and gun violence is now present. Sorry to be blunt and if you are offended, yet that is reality.
Question I am the property manager for the Heights formally known as Fontaine Gardens if we don’t have any New contracts(Leases) with the section 8 tenants and are not taking any more section 8 do I have to renew at all?