I was recently contacted by a potential renter about a listing that I have on whether or not I would accept section 8 payments? Has anyone had any experience with this type of subsidized housing? I’m pretty unfamiliar with it, other than the basics of the government pays a portion of the rent, etc. Can anyone provide any insights on this?

It's going to be hands on, it's going to require inspections, and it's going to come down to how well you screen. If you don't know what you're doing or how the system works you increase your risk of having a bad tenant.  Plenty of people have made it their niche, however the people that treat it casually probably going to get frustrated at the experience. 

@Brian Cornick

If A/B neighborhood, then stick to normal renters. If C/D neighborhoods, then section 8 just fine, and would get more than market rents.

Terry

@Brian Cornick I wake up every first of the month with money in my account , direct deposit. I get a small check from the tenant to cover the rest and outside of that I see her maybe once or twice in the month.

She keeps the apartment clean and organized and she rarely complains.

The inspection is typically done once a year and if you have your apartment up to code (which you should anyways) then there is nothing to worry about.

I have her Section 8 office's number and I contact them if I need to take care of anything.

Team Section 8.

Assuming you have C/D class properties section 8 is a option but as mentioned is higher management and more work. If your tenant base is working class tenants I would avoid mixing in welfarians.

Thank you all for the replies and opinions, it was definitely very helpful. After doing a little more research, I’ve decided against this.

I love my section 8 program in my town and I can get higher than market rents without having to have luxury items in the houses.