Los Angeles Section 8 Question

[Vinny Giglio]

I recently purchased a duplex in Los Angeles. Its comprised of (2) separate 2 bedroom 1 bath houses. The tenant in the rear unit is an elderly woman who has been there for 17 years. She is currently on a section 8 voucher for an "SRO" unit, which is paying $649/month. The section 8 lease was renewed by the previous owner on Jan 1st, 2014 and expires at the end of this year. Since the unit is a 2 bed / 1 bath house and her voucher is only for an "SRO" unit, is there any way I can make a case to have Section 8 pay the 2/1 rate, or is there a way to get her out on a technicality since she is not on a 2 bedroom voucher? I really like her and she seems like a great tenant, however the market rent for the unit is between $1,250-1,350 which is even slightly less than what section 8 will pay for a 2 bedroom voucher. Can anyone chime in on this that has some experience or expertise dealing with LA rent control and section 8?

[Steve L.]

I think your odds are low:

- Section 8 pays on the bedroom count or the tenants voucher level (whichever is less).

- If she is approved for an "SRO" she cannot get a 2 bedroom.

I don't think there is an easy way out of the lease. Maybe you can offer her some money to relocate?