Section 8 - is rent negotiable

[Jordan S.]

My question is: will the section 8 authority turn down a lease altogether if they think the rent is to high? 

I ask this because I really don't want to lose a tenant that I have.  She has been there 8 years and is paying less rent than what any of the other units are paying.  If I bring the rent up to market on her unit, is section 8 flat out going to say no? Will she have to pay the difference? Or will it be a negotiation.  I would sooner leave the rent where it is at than cause her move out.  Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

J

[Dawn Brenengen]

@Jordan S. In my area they will send a letter with the maximum amount they will allow the tenant to spend in rent. I had one where we turned in the lease for $900, but the housing authority sent a letter back saying she could only pay $870, so we reduced it. Our only other option was to reject her as a tenant. They take into account the tenant's income, other housing costs like utility bills and market rent for the area.