Section 8 background check rental advise

[Ivan Sing]

Hi I am participating in renting out a house to a lady on a VASH voucher. She is a veteran and was homeless at one point of time in 2013 but since has gotten her life in order and has rented 2 houses for 3 years each in Lancaster CA. She made a request to rent out my property. I like the fact that she is enrolled in AV college full time and doing nursing and twice been a responsible tenant and was able to hold 3 year lease. I met with her and also drove by her property and things looked good.

My question is that I have conducted a background check on her and it shows that back in 2007 there was a civil judgement against her ex-husband and the amount is around 2500 dollars. She told me that her credit isn't the best which most people on section 8 dont. Her score is in early 500s

Other then the civil judgement there is nothing on her credit for me to be worried about. She has no criminal, eviction or any other issues.I just want to make sure that this civil judgement is not a big deal to worry about because im sure the previous 2 landlords would have seen this as well? 

Section 8 have told me that they would give me 2 months rent as damage deposit and also 2000 dollars as damage protection to cover for damages when she moves out. Not to mention she will get the renter insurance. 

Please advise whether renting out to her is a good idea or no? 

Thanks!

[Matt MacDonald]

12 years ago, is a pretty long time. Most companies I’ve worked at we look at 5 years back and some 7 years back. If she has no evictions or criminal history that is great. Also, if they are going to give a double deposit that’s good. One of the issues I’ve seen with traditional section 8 programs is they seem to favor the Tenant and they can tell the owner you need to fix this or else they will put you in abatement. From what you given us it seems like she is trying her best to improve. I’m all for supporting our veterans.