Section 8 tenant died

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Section 8 tenant died

Rob K.
Investor · Southeast, MI · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

I had a Section 8 tenant that died the other day. She had four young children, including an infant. The tenant's sister told me that they would move everything out soon. Today, the tenant's mom called and said that she's been staying there with the kids and would like to stay. She's going to call the Section 8 worker and see if she can take over.

Has anyone dealt with this before? Will Section 8 allow that to happen since there's kids involved? Would she have to go on the waiting list (forever) and get approved?

Any insight would be appreciated.

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Al Williamson
Rental Property Investor · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2011 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
12y

@Rob K. I've had a tenant die in one of my units, in fact I was the only one with him as he past in the hospital - so I feel for you in this situation.

Section 8 wasn't involved, but these things always drag a landlord into the situation.

Best to you. Hopefully things go smoothly.

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  • Dawn AnastasiPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    12y

    There might be some type of "emergency assistance" because the kids are most likely going to have to go to a relative (you didn't indicate if the dad is involved or not).

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  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
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    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    12y

    Have not had that happen yet.

    I found this though. Might need to contact the case worker to see what applies locally and your options.

    My Section 8 tenant just died. What happens to the HAP Contract?

    It depends on whether there are any additional approved family members in the assisted unit.

    • Unless there is, at least, one remaining family member, the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract terminates automatically on the death of a single-member household, including one with a live-in aide. Any pre-paid HAP Contract payment beyond the contract termination date must be repaid.
    • If there is, at least, one remaining family member 18 years or older who can act as the "head of household", the HAP Contract will remain in force.
    • If there are no remaining adults, but, at least, one minor, HACA will immediately contact the person identified as the "emergency contact" and determine who will care for the minor(s). If necessary, HACA will continue HAP payments for up to 180-days to allow time for a caretaker or new guardian to join the minors in the assisted unit. HAP payments end the date HACA determines the family has vacated the unit.
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  • Brian Mathews
    Contractor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2013 · 767 posts · 389 votes
    12y

    This is one of those situations that probably has a lot of moving parts. I think I'd be patient and work with them for a reasonable amount of time. I would be in contact with the person in charge at section 8 though, to make sure you aren't getting BS'd.

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  • Rob K.
    OP
    Investor · Southeast, MI · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y
    Originally posted by @Joel Owens:

    • If there are no remaining adults, but, at least, one minor, HACA will immediately contact the person identified as the "emergency contact" and determine who will care for the minor(s). If necessary, HACA will continue HAP payments for up to 180-days to allow time for a caretaker or new guardian to join the minors in the assisted unit. HAP payments end the date HACA determines the family has vacated the unit.




    Thanks @Joel Owens This might be the case as there are four minors and no adult to care for them.

    @Dawn Anastasi Not sure if the dad (or as many as four dads) is/are in the picture.

    @Brian Mathews Thanks. I am being patient. I know this is a tough situation for them. I gave the Section 8 worker's number to the mom and she is going to call. I will follow up as well.

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  • Al Williamson
    Rental Property Investor · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2011 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y

    @Rob K. I've had a tenant die in one of my units, in fact I was the only one with him as he past in the hospital - so I feel for you in this situation.

    Section 8 wasn't involved, but these things always drag a landlord into the situation.

    Best to you. Hopefully things go smoothly.

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  • David B.
    Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2012 · 80 posts · 31 votes
    12y

    I currently have a tenant on section 8 who is terminally ill. I was inquisitive about this situation. But for now my focus is on the family and being there for them in their time of need. I will monitor this thread though.

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  • Dorothy Evans
    Member since 2018 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    8y

    I'm in a situation my significant other passed away. She had the certificate section 8. We been together for 22 years. I am on the lease. Where do I stand in this situation?  I am 65,year old, live in Massachusetts. Could I transfer the certificate to myself. 

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    8y

    I had a Section 8 tenant die on May 1st. When I called Housing to report it, they terminated her assistance immediately without any proof of death or even verifying who I was! That means I could literally report any Section 8 tenant as deceased and they would lose their benefits. Ridiculous.

    I recommend you speak with Housing personally to ensure coverage is an option. Have a heart but don't let it drag on and hurt your financial situation.

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