Section 8 Tenant--Who Pays the Security Deposit?

[Chloey M.]

I'm going the Section 8 route for my properties until it appreciates. Does anyone know if the security deposit is usually paid by the tenant (or the housing authority) and can the deposit be for the full amount of rent, or just the tenant's portion?

Thanks!

[Kyle J.]

The tenant pays it, and you can charge the same deposit you’d charge a regular non-Section 8 tenant (including the full rent amount).

I’d encourage you to collect the full amount too, just like you would with a regular tenant, and not allow the tenant to make installment payments for the deposit after they move in. It’s a lot harder to collect after they’re already moved in.