Posted by Dave Mc on April 05, 2005 at 11:38:59:
I really appreciate the input. I just stumbled onto this site yesterday and have read a load of information. I can’t take it all in fast enough !
Thanks again
Section 8 - Your experience? - Posted by Dave McK
Posted by Dave McK on April 04, 2005 at 12:29:10:
My fiance and I are building a new home and are looking to rent out our current home. A friend has done Section 8 renting in the past and has good and bad experiences.
I wanted to get some input on people’s experiences, things to watch out for, and places I could find more information on Section 8 housing.
Thanks in advance !
-Dave
Re: Section 8 - Your experience? - Posted by Mark (SDCA)
Posted by Mark (SDCA) on April 07, 2005 at 11:03:09:
I wouldn’t do S8 anymore- at least unless I was 100% sure that the local office was top notch.
The local office- and specifically the local inspectors have 100% power. There is no administrative appeals process. They can cite your property for basically anything they want, existing or not, whether they have any expertise in the matter or not. They have no requirement to provide any documentation or substantiation whatsoever.
To me, it isn’t worth it.
Regards,
Mark
Re: Section 8 - Your experience? - Posted by Carl CA
Posted by Carl CA on April 05, 2005 at 10:33:37:
Dave,
I currently have 12 section 8 tenants. Like most things, I’ve had both
good and bad experiences. Mostly good. All good when it comes to
my local housing authority office. Everything bad has come from
irresponsible tenants, some of whom started out great. You’re never
going to bat 1000.
The housing authority has two types of vouchers where I am. The first
is income based which has an unlimited duration. This voucher sets
strict limits on maximum allowable rents for qualifying properties
(yours). The second is called a “Moving to Work” voucher which has a 5
year duration. The allowable rent standards for this voucher are much
more flexible, and constitutes about 2/3rds of my tenant’s vouchers.
In my market, section 8 is slow to react to a rising rental market, so I
prefer this voucher.
WARNING: If the housing authority doesn’t allow the rent you are
asking for, don’t enter into “side agreements” with the tenant for the
balance of the rent you are asking for. They are unenforceable, and
you risk your good standing with the housing authority if they find out
about it.
One of the things I like about the section 8 program is that it forces
you (and your tenants) to maintain your property in very good
condition. I like keeping my properties up, so this is a big positive for
me. I don’t need to do annual inspections on these units because the
housing authority does them for me, and tells me what to fix. They
also keep my tenants housekeeping habits up to snuff.
Do a google search for your local housing authority office. Contact
them for more specific info.
Carl
Re: Section 8 - Your experience? - Posted by David Krulac
Posted by David Krulac on April 04, 2005 at 16:55:23:
the first factor is whether section rent schdule is in line with what you want for rent. If you want $1,000 rent for a 3 bedroom and there criteria is no more than $700 for a 3 bedroom, then you probably won’t be renting section 8.
Section 8 inspections are pretty thorough and the want no peeling paint, no cracked glass, railing on all stairs and smoke detectors on all levels inlcuding basment and attic. If your property doesn’t meet their standards and you don’t want to make the improvements then you won’t be renting section 8.
call you local adminsitrating office, often time a county agency. ask them there level levels, whether they have a waiting list and whether they have funds for more rentals. They probably have a website with lots of inof for you.
Re: Section 8 - Your experience? - Posted by Kristine-CA
Posted by Kristine-CA on April 04, 2005 at 12:36:18:
Be sure to check the archives on this board for the past couple of
years. Many good posts and discussions on this topic.