Section 8 question

[Wade G.]

Does anyone know if you can rent to a family member that is enrolled in the program?  I know it may sound kinda like a scam but I have a disabled sister that will someday soon need assistance.  I know it's not a good idea to mix business with family but I will need to contribute to supporting her someday anyway.  Problem is she cannot afford the rent.  So just wondering if I could receive rent through the program if she was enrolled in it and if my house was qualified to be in the program.  Sounds fishy I know but I'm trying to figure out a way to help that is a win win.

[Kyle J.]

Generally, you cannot rent to family members on the Section 8 program.  However, there is an exception if the family member is disabled.   

Here's the Housing Authority rule on the matter:

Renting From a Relative:
Generally, a PHA must not approve an owner under Section 8 if he or she is a relative of a tenant. 24 C.F.R. § 982.306(d). However, the PHA may approve such an owner if it would be a reasonable accommodation for the family member, who is a person with a disability.

I have one Section 8 tenant and had to sign a certification that included, among other things, the following statement:

Owner Renting to Relatives:

I certify that I am not related to the tenant or to any members of the family in any of the following ways: parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sister, brother or any member of the family. If I am renting to a relative, it is for the sole purpose of providing reasonable accommodations for a family member who is a person with a disability. I also understand that the Housing Authority must first approve this arrangement.

So I'd double check with the local Housing Authority in the county where your property is located to make sure they would approve of your specific arrangement.  But it sounds like it's possible. 

Hope that helps.