Section 8 Rental for Memphis TN?

Question

Hi, I have a 3 Br/2ba rental in 38141 area of Memphis. I was wondering if anyone know if Section 8 authority is easy to work with in that area? Or is it easier to rent non-sec 8? Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

Tyler Tapley · Answer

Lot of complaints about dealing with MHA (Section 8).  They don't always know what they are doing which can cause confusion, headaches, and money.   MHA will have to review the property and then give you a list of things to get fixed.  No matter what anyone tells you on this board....it just depends on what MHA says.

Dean Letfus · Answer

Sec 8 in Memphis is great. Don't be concerned about it at all. The only issue is sometimes they cramp you on rent level so make sure you are aware of that. But otherwise Sec 8 is easier money than your own tenants.

Jack Inman · Answer

@Joe Funicello The toughest part with section 8 is passing their inspection IMO. If you or your PM haven't built up a good relationship with the local MHA rep then they are more likely to nitpick every item. Once you've made it through the intial inspection then it's fairly easy. They do periodic inspections of the property, but the big hump is just the initial one. Section 8 tenants often pay more than market rent. (There seems to be a shortage of section 8 approved houses)

There may be different routes to getting a tenant, but what I did was I found the section 8 tenant first, and then I worked to get the house approved by section 8. Other people may do it vice versa . Regardless, MHA's rent was about 10% higher than market rent for my particular property.

Emily Guido · Answer

Hi Derrick, Thank you for your quick response. I went their MHA website and the comments from users of their service is very poor So I'm a little hesitant to get into the Sec 8 space. Do you have positive experience working with the Memphis Housing Authorities on Sec 8 rentals? I have lots of inquires for my rental without S8, so not sure if it's worth the trouble. I read many conflicting inputs. Thank you.

Derrick Craig · Answer

@Emily G.

It is pretty easy to work with in this area, you just have to know the rules and abide by them to the Tee.

Joe Funicello · Answer

@Emily Guido just inboxed you. Thank you.

Brianna M. · Answer

I am also going to message you, Emily, if that's okay. I just got an offer accepted on a single family rental in Memphis - my first. Would love to hear about any challenges you've experienced so far, what you think about the market and/or things you might have done differently. Happy to also share my experience so far, too.

Emily Guido · Answer

Yes I'm doing the long distance thing....not the best but doing my best, but may not be the best for everyone. Sure, send me your questions.

Joe Funicello · Answer

Thank you @Tyler Tapley appreciate the information.

Joe Funicello · Answer

@Jack Inman do you know some of the key house "needed" items and landlord requirements for Memphis that make it difficult to get approved?

Section 8 Rental for Memphis TN?

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