Section 8 Tenant not paying rent after I purchased the property

[Noyessie Hubert]

I bought a 4-unit property in August ( 2 months ago ), it was my first property, and I inherited a section 8 tenant. The previous owner did not give me documentation on the current tenants. Just the phone number and current rent amount.

I purchased the property on August 16 and introduced myself on September 20th. So she did not pay rent for September ( she was supposed to pay it to the previous owner and the owner was supposed to send it to me, but the previous owner received nothing and she agreed nothing was sent ).

Now she needs to send my information to her case worker to update the rent payment address and everything. However, the caseworker is not reachable for weeks now. There we are in October and still nothing. I don't know what to do there:

- What information should I ask a section 8 tenant?

- What should I do to get the rent paid, including past rent?

- Any other advice to manage section 8 tenants?

Thanks.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Noyessie Hubert:

Section 8 payments are sent to the landlord every month like clockwork. HUD wouldn't change that without someone filing the appropriate paperwork. I bet the Seller received payment for September and October. They may receive November rent depending on how quickly you get the paperwork filed.

I would get in touch with someone at HUD immediately and confirm. I would also start the paperwork immediately. If your tenant's caseworker is out of town for a few weeks, demand to work with someone else or do something to confirm you will get paid as the new owner.