Section 8 in Tampa Bay

[Dillon Cook]

Some local legislation you may be unfamiliar with!  Unincorporated Hillsborough (and Pinellas) county requires all long term rentals be eligible for Section 8.  If you've never wanted involvement with the sec8 program, this can be alarming, but there are some nuances to understand.  Sec8 renters need to meet all the qualifications that you advertise.  THA may or may not be able to meet your advertised monthly rent rate, so if you were to approve the tenant based on criteria and background, but find out that THA can only meet you at 1550/mo instead of the advertised 1600/mo, you can either take the reduction or deny the renter based on price, and keep searching for renters who can qualify for your advertised price.

[January Johnson]

I am a Commissioner on the Panama City Housing Authority, and I would just like to say thank you to all of you here for discussing and considering Section 8 housing.  Affordable housing is a great need in cities large and small, and I know we have hardworking families and adults who are excellent tenants and just need some assistance for the basics (food, clothing, shelter).  THANK YOU!