My first real estate settlement was a rental, and since then I have completed countless rental agreements. Through my settlement I have learned that many landlords feel uncomfortable when it comes to dealing with rentals because of its history with discrimination and fair housing. Which in turn makes them turn away many section 8 applicants, however, today I would like to educate you about how this vital program uses tax dollars responsibly and to good use.
Section 8 is a government program that helps those who need help paying for housing get part of their rent paid. People's views on Section 8 range tremendously. However, today I would love to do a deep dive with you about the pros and cons. My number one goal that you take from this is that you should look at each applicant on their own merits and not really on whether they are getting help from the government to pay their rent.
The Process
The Tenant: The tenant has to get approved and processed by the Section 8 department in either their county or city. This process is very thorough and they review dependents, income, criminal history, tenant history, and more.
The Property: After the Tenant has found the home that they would like to live at, the home goes through an approval process. The first one before they even go to the home, the property is assessed for its price. The asking rental amount has to either be at market value or below. If the number is higher than market value, the landlord can either not accept, or negotiate with Section 8. The second part of the process is a physical inspection of the property to make sure it is safe and livable for the tenants and his/her dependents. If there is anything that needs to be fixed, the landlord has to fix it before the tenant moves in, and get it re-inspected. Once it passes, the tenant is welcome to move.
The Landlord: The Landlord then is asked to send the signed lease and other supporting documents. Section 8 asks for bank information so they can deposit rent every month.
The Cons
The Process can take a few weeks and you have to be a little persistent with the Section 8 office to get everything done faster.
You may need to do repairs on the property
Dealing with the government can be a pain
The Pros
Section 8 recipients HAVE to follow the lease to a "T" if they do not, they will easily lose their benefits. This will make sure that your tenants actually have great consequences to any breaking of the lease. Section 8 acts as a "check and balances"
Section 8 recipients HAVE to make sure to follow the law and do everything legal as losing their benefits would be a great hit. Again, the tenants not only have to follow the lease, but the rules from Section 8.
Even though dealing with the government can be a pain to set up, the money will be at your account like clock work. No matter what happens, the government almost never misses rent.
Today's blog is not to convince you to accept Section 8 recipients above other possible tenants, it is to give you information on which you were probably not aware of. They can be great candidates. Do not worry too much about whether they are Section 8 or not, worry about the Tenant as a whole: stable job, stable income, is the space adequate for their family size, do past landlords give good recommendations, do they fit your criteria? That's where you should put your focus.
By: Rosa Javier
Email: rosajaviersales@gmail.com
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