Section 8 question

[Harry M.]

Hi All - this is my first post here, though I have been lurking for a while and have learned a great deal from all the great advice on this forum.

We are in the process of buying our first rental, a duplex. It is occupied on both sides, by tenants of 9 yrs and 2.5 years. The tenant of 9 yrs is on the section 8 program. I understand that with section 8, the tenant sends you part of the rent while the govt sends you the other part. The leases will be transferred into our names as part of closing, but what steps are necessary with the housing authority so that they know that we will be the landlords and that they should send us the payments?

Thanks in advance for any responses, and for being patient with my newbie questions! We are in Dallas County, TX, if that helps.

[Peter Giardini]

Harry... I hope you have read the leases for the tenants you are about to inherit? The lease for the Section 8 tenant should spell out the total rent amount and depending how your Section 8 program handles things, both the Section 8 and the tenants portion of the rents should be identified.

Once you have taken possession of the property you should contact the Section 8 program and let them know where to send the checks.

Also... I hope your purchase contract reflects that you will be credited with the amount of the security deposits (plus interest if required by your state) and the rents will be pro-rated to the day you settled.

Best of luck!