How to evict a Section 8 tenant?

Question

I live in Maryland.  I have a Section 8 tenant who is violating her lease (e.g. not letting me know when repairs are needed to property, damaging the property, not paying her water bill, etc).  It's to the point where I have to get her out of the property.  What is the process for evicting a section 8 tenant who is violating her lease?  Thanks!

Scott W. · Answer

I would put something in writing (if you haven't already) about incident reports. Create a paper trail. If that doesn't fix it, have a conversation and/or write up how violating the lease can lead to an eviction, which can create future issues with ability to lease/own.

If that doesn't work, file the paperwork for eviction.

I like to get copies of utilites before I sign on a new tenant to see they're staying on top of their bills. Also, visiting their current place of residence to assure they're not hoarders/trashing the place.

Chris Da · Answer

I would wait until the begining of the month. As soon as you get the money from section 8 , go and file for eviction. Post the notice on the door. From what you told us, it is going to end bad. i have been down this road before with the dirt bad section 8 tenant. (I have several Section 8 tenants) and some have been good, and some bad. This one you described would be considered bad, and I assure you nothing is going to change, so get paid, and file, cut your losses and move on. A big hint I can give you...If you find a tenant who is young with lots of kids and no job,...usually the house get wrecked, boyfriends are over constantly and it is just a bad scene. If you find a tenant that has a job, and 2-3 younger kids who seem like they are cared for and polite, you might have a ringer.

Aly W. · Answer

Most caseworkers are as Joel said....my past Section 8 caseworkers were actually quite good, before then our state cut funding to every social program. I can't imagine the situation there now. But when I had a tenant violate her lease (extra people living there, and ultimately a pit bull), the caseworker sent her a letter stating she could be evicted and lose her funding. I had to enforce the lease.

That letter had zero effect on the tenant, so I had my attorney send a letter. Somehow, that worked...temporarily. But absolutely treat the tenant like any other and start the eviction process.

Joel Owens · Answer

Aaron unfortunately enforcement of section 8 is not across the board.

Section 8 is administered by each state and even county differently. So some case workers and areas crack down on the tenants for violations and other case workers simply do not care.

I have been through where they say " oh well " they have a pit bull, stealing power, not paying their share of money etc. The case workers here are overwhelmed. Your lucky if you can ever get them on the phone after calling for a week.

Just start eviction and go through the process. Maybe a notice will make them shape up and maybe not.

Kyle J. · Answer

That's what you need to do, just like with a non-Section 8 tenant.

Aaron Smith · Answer

I did that.  Section 8 told me to enforce my lease.  Enforcing my lease is evicting the tenant.  Section 8 said the lease is between the Landlord and the tenant.

Account Closed · Answer

Hey Aaron,
When we have an issue with our section 8 tenants we immediately contact their housing officer. There is such a long waiting list that we have found the housing officers crack down on them really quick. If they don't follow the rules there are plenty more waiting in line.

Shawn