Renting to Section 8 for the First Time

[Thomas O'Donnell]

Hello all,

I have decided to list one of my units as section 8 due to the neighborhood and lack of leads from non section 8 tenants. Does anyone have any advice about renting to section 8? I know people have very mixed experiences in doing so. I currently have it listed on Affordable Housing for $1,575 (3b, 1ba two-story duplex) with water included in that. I have also read that you're supposed to include all utilities in the rent and it must all be at or less than the amount their voucher is worth. If this is the case, then I would need to list it for around $1,700.

Part of me is afraid of the unexpected from these tenants, but another part of me does want to provide a good home to people in need. I do also think I may have rent listed too high, but based on comps in the area and then doing section 8 instead of a regular rental, $1,575 with water included seems reasonable.  

I would love some input about renting to section 8 and any tips on it, such as certain things I should include in the lease or look for when screening (obviously income/credit will not be great from the tenant). TIA!

[Marc Rice]

Quote from @Thomas O'Donnell:

Hello all,

I have decided to list one of my units as section 8 due to the neighborhood and lack of leads from non section 8 tenants. Does anyone have any advice about renting to section 8? I know people have very mixed experiences in doing so. I currently have it listed on Affordable Housing for $1,575 (3b, 1ba two-story duplex) with water included in that. I have also read that you're supposed to include all utilities in the rent and it must all be at or less than the amount their voucher is worth. If this is the case, then I would need to list it for around $1,700.

Part of me is afraid of the unexpected from these tenants, but another part of me does want to provide a good home to people in need. I do also think I may have rent listed too high, but based on comps in the area and then doing section 8 instead of a regular rental, $1,575 with water included seems reasonable.  

I would love some input about renting to section 8 and any tips on it, such as certain things I should include in the lease or look for when screening (obviously income/credit will not be great from the tenant). TIA!

 I normally recommend to use a property manager who is experienced in the government forms, inspections, and timelines associated with section 8. Section 8 (CMHA in Columbus) can usually command a premium of rents but isn't always super simple.