Posted by Eric - GA on December 20, 2002 at 18:38:52:
Kirt, you’re probably talking about “Section 8” or “Housing Choice” which is a government program that assists lower income families with housing costs. Instead of running government “projects” they give families vouchers. Typically, the tenants will be paying 30% - 40% of the rent, and the rest will be paid by taxpayers. How this works, at least in Atlanta, is that your entire rent payment comes directly from the housing authority, often by direct deposit. You are usually able to get close to a fair market rent, and some excede what is fair (especially when you consider that it is YOU and I that are paying for it). Although the money is good, and often guaranteed, many people complain that the tenants do more damage that traditional tenants. This is not always the case though.
This forum is a great resource, and you can imagine that you are not the first to ask about this program. If you search the archives for “section 8” you will find over 800 posts dealing with the issue. If you are considering renting section 8, this would be a good place to start researching.
Eric - GA