Section8 applicant doesn't want her husband on lease/application

[Carlos Florez]

For experience section 8 landlord, please advice.

I'm new to section 8, however I have been a landlord, property manager for 6 years in the Hollywood fL and hallandale Beach FL area.

One interested possible applicant loved the house but mentioned she doesn't want her husband on the lease because the voucher is only on her name and if she adds her husband may cause her to lose her voucher. This was a red flag for me. Every person who will live in the house need to be on the lease, also section8 needs to know who will be living there. I don't want problems with the program that would cause me to get banned from the program.

Or if section8 finds out she is sneaking someone in, would she lose her voucher? that way I will be affected as well.

What is your advice in this case?

I politely stood my ground, required all adult applicant to fill out application and also do the background check through transunion smartmove. She says no problem just will do 2 separate applications and 2 separate background checks. But im still uneasy about hiding that from section8, I don't lie, I dont want problems, I want full transparency.

Also please advice about First month, last month and deposit.

For regular renters this is a requirement for me, But I called 2 section8 landlords and non of them asked for last month, only the deposit, as section 8 pays for the monthly rent. I think I scared away the other possible applicant when I mentioned deposit and last month, thats more, she says she doesn't have all that money handy. I am conscious of that. and willing to change/adapt if necessary. 

My other question is, what would you so as the landlord if section8 tenant loses their voucher? thats my worry about not having the last month rent. in case of eviction, there is no rent money to be collected during the process.

Please advice! very appreciated.

[Nathan Gesner]

This is not a "red flag." It is an absolute denial.

And if it were me, I would collect the woman's name and report it to housing. She's leaching our tax dollars for free housing money.