New York section 8 Specifically Long Island

[Chris Rogers]

I’m going into contract on my first rental this week. It’s going to be a section 8 rental in Suffolk County Long Island. I’ve ran the numbers up and down and they work well. I’m unsure about a couple of issues that I’m having a tough time getting answers on.

1. What is the story with utilities? I’ve heard that there is only a certain amount that tenets pay? It’s oil heat. Single family home.

2. How long is the process once I apply for section 8 as a landlord?

3. I realize it’s a big ask but if anyone has a lease similar lease that I can take a look at to help write my own it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Christian D.]

Originally posted by @Shatomma Tolliver:

Congrats on your first rental property! 

In regards to question 1, in a single family home, a section 8 tenant can (and should) be responsible for the full portion of payment of all utilities. Like any other tenant, they will start their own utility accounts and be solely responsible for payment. 

What you may be referring to is the fact that the housing authority will use a general estimate of utility expense and deduct that amount from the voucher total. For instance, 3 bedroom can receive a section 8 voucher for $2400 a month, but if utilities are not included, they will deduct for ex. $125 for oil, $75 for electric etc, etc... Leaving you with a rental payment amount of $2200. From there, like Jamal mentioned previously, based on the tenants income the tenant will have a portion of that $2200 to pay to you and section 8 will be responsible to pay the rest. 

In regards to Question 2, you don't officially get registered as a section 8 landlord until you are entering into a lease with a section 8 tenant. When you find a tenant, they will have paperwork for you both to fill out and sign. Section 8 will require the rental permit, deed etc. They will also send their own additional inspector to inspect the home and make sure it meets their requirements. As long as all paperwork is in order with you and your tenant and communication is kept with the housing authority caseworker all can be done rather smoothly, I typically estimate about 30 days. 

Question 3, the housing authority will draw up their own section 8 lease to be signed by you and the tenant, it always includes the general rental terms as well as the additional terms and rules of the section 8 voucher. I have seen landlords who draw up their own leases to have signed in addition to the one that the housing authorities provide, but I am pretty sure in a legal battle its the housing authority lease that will reign. So my suggestion to you is to communicate directly with your tenant's caseworker, ask questions and make sure all your concerns are met. 

What town will your rental be located?

These are some great points.

In addition to a lease agreement, I would just clarify Section 8 will require the signing of a House Assistance Payments Contract (HAP Contract) -- this will be executed by the landlord and case worker on behalf of the tenant working for Section 8. Although this contract will outline the main terms of the lease agreement, this is not an actual lease agreement, but a contractual obligation between the landlord and Section 8/HUD.