I feel like Section 8 tends to get a bad rap. The connotation with Section 8 is that you are renting low quality housing to low income tenants just to collect that government check. If you rent to Section 8 you are often perceived as a slum lord, which isn’t fair to landlords or tenants. I think the lack of education about what Section 8 really is and who qualifies for Section 8 is misleading to the general public.

Section 8 is intended to help low income and very low income families have access to quality housing. Section 8 can be in the form of government housing OR private apartments. If an applicant is looking to rent a private apartment, the landlord must be willing to work with Section 8 and qualify the home for housing.

For a landlord to qualify for Section 8, you will need to complete an application and provide personal information. The housing authority will review your rental rates to ensure they are comparable to other rentals in the area. One drawback is, if the housing authority feels you are overcharging for your rental, you may be required to lower your rates.

Once the housing authority approves you as a landlord, an inspector will visit your rental property to make sure it meets all local building and safety codes. The inspection process is lengthy. Some of the minimum requirements you must have are: you must have working locks on every window and door, the structure must be sound, and the wiring and plumbing must work safely. Some local codes may also require that you install handrails or safety ramps outside the property. The bulk of what Section 8 requires are things that should already be done at your apartment per codes.  

Now when it comes to selecting tenants, Section 8 does do a screening process for applicants they accept into the program. In many areas, there is a waiting list to get into Section 8. Just because a tenant passes the Section 8 screening does not mean you must rent to them. You treat the program as you would any potential applicant. When selecting a tenant from Section 8, they will still have to pass your application process. Personally, if a tenant passes both screenings, I think you have a pretty good shot at having a solid tenant.  

Once you have selected your tenant, a portion or all of their rent will come from the government (depending upon what they were approved for). This means you are guaranteed your rent. Now, I know what you are thinking- just because you are guaranteed your rent doesn’t mean they will take care of the place. Landlords often feel that if the tenant isn’t responsible for rent, they will have less respect for the home. In some cases this is true, but if a tenant violates your lease in anyway- you treat the tenant the same as you would with any tenant. If a tenant doesn’t pay their portion of rent, or they trash the home, give them a warning or eviction notice and report it to Section 8. Section 8 holds their tenants to a certain standard as well, and if a tenant violates a lease they will be removed from the program. Given that there is often a couple year waiting list to get on Section 8, a tenant doesn’t want to get removed. So its in their best interest to be a good tenant. Section 8 will also do routine inspections. Some might see this as a hassle, but it never hurts to have more eyes on a property.

Overall, there isn’t a huge difference in the process or responsibilities when you rent Section 8 versus when you don’t. Tenants still go through your application process, sign and adhere to your lease, and then you still must take action if a tenant isn’t abiding. The positive side is you have access to many more possible tenants, tenants must pass two screening processes (assuming you do a screening process as well), guaranteed rent, and the tenants have incentive to be good tenants. There’s always a risk of getting a bad tenant regardless of how you find them, but in my opinion Section 8 can be a win- win scenario for the tenant and landlord. There are a lot of good people out there who can’t make ends meet who need a quality home and this would be a great opportunity to help yourself and your community.

Reference:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/become-section-8-housing-landlord-requirements/

Phone call with representative from Section 8