Section 8: Do you accept vouchers? Why or Why not?

Question

Section 8 is a highly discussed topic in the real estate industry.  Most landlords are on one side or the other.

Many landlords will not rent to Section 8 tenants under the premise of them being “bad” tenants. “ Section 8 tenants will destroy your property” is often the warning given to investors considering the program.

“It’s guaranteed money and you’re providing affordable housing for people in need”  is often the response of landlords that accept section 8.

My opinion is, market rate tenants are just as capable of destroying properties and there are some amazing Section 8 tenants.  I also like the guaranteed money from the government.

So, here’s my question.  Are you a landlord that rents to Section 8 tenants? Why or why not?  What has been your experience?  How did your rentals fair during the pandemic ?  What advice would you give a new investor considering accepting Section 8?

Let’s talk about it.

Canesha

Stephen Keighery · Answer

I accept them. You still get to run your normal checks. The checks you have in place is what will help you minimize renting to a problem tenant and whether they are section 8 or not is less important.

Scott M. · Answer

"Section 8 is a highly discussed topic in the real estate industry"

Also here on BP.

Not saying you won't get responses, sure you will, but if you use the search and look for both Sec 8 and Section 8 lots of threads with hundreds of replies show up on the experience others have had.