Section8 metro Housing in Boston accuse me discrimination

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Section8 metro Housing in Boston accuse me discrimination

Zhenwei Chu
Member since 2021 · 9 posts · 5 votes

I was considering to accept a tenant from section 8 program. But inspector failed my unit with many un-professional reasons. And they force me to fix the problems without sending me the report, and accept this tenant. Is it ok to decide not to fix them? 

I received phone call from this inspector and later from section 8 program. They threaten me that I violate the discrimination law if I decide not fix these problems and not accept this tenant. It seems like if I accept inspection and I have already signed the lease with section 8. Anyone knows what will happen if I do not talk with them anymore? Sue me in the court?

I also feel being racial discriminated during inspection. Because I am immigrate and not good at English, this inspector picked everything he could. The house was bought about one month ago. It has Boston fire department smoke alarm certificate. But it is failed smoke detector. He also ask me to remove a cabinet light that was bought from Home Depot for sink. The bathroom in the basement has no ceiling and door. The inspector requires to install fans, or demolish the bathroom. Will the fan works if no ceiling and door for the bathroom?

Thanks

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Patricia Steiner
Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
5y

Your problem is greater than Boston Housing...HUD requires property inspections and sets the requirements for tenancy. It's their ball, their court. If you don't meet their standards then your property is not eligible for Section 8 tenancy. DONE. The criteria isn't debatable. You can look it up online...again, it's a Federal Requirement.

If you filled out the Request for Tenancy Form, you have accepted that tenant.  You have accepted their Voucher and completed the required form to move forward with the transaction. The lease is completed after the inspection which also sets the rental price.  And, it is the Request for Tenancy document that schedules the inspection.  Know this:  you're not paying for the inspection so you're not entitled to demand it.  

So  here's my take on what you've shared:  you don't have a clear understanding of the process and requirements.  What you claim to be unreasonable is actually the normal process that all Section 8 landlords participate in.  Claiming discrimination is not acceptable...you don't deserve that - but you do have a knowledge gap that may make it appear that you're avoiding something that could come back to haunt you under the Fair Housing Act.

My recommendation: stop positioning yourself as a victim and start over with the caseworker. Apologize for the confusion; share that you were caught off guard by the inspector and the findings; explain that you did not realize that the Tenancy Form was itself a commitment within Housing.  Then get educated, fix your property, and move forward - or BOLT.  Either way, don't set yourself up for a Fair Housing Claim by keeping things contentious. You simply may not be a good landlord fit for Section 8.

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  • Jim Spatzenfeld
    Investor · NorCal · Member since 2015 · 282 posts · 240 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Curtis Mears:

    Yes, avoid those states if you can.

    Just make a 700+ FICO score a requirement for all applicants and you won’t have to deal with 99% of the Section8 folks. And those that have a high FICO most likely won’t trouble you anyways. 

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  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5y

    If you have other tenants in the apartment on 6/1  and you got the inspection report  6/4  then you just need to stop talking to this inspector and talk to a lawyer who knows what this form you signed is about and whether it was a commitment. (not sure how you can NOT have agreed rent and still be committed to rent to someone, but its a government agency). Had you already screened the tenant? A lawyer might tell you if you have an out and tell you how to get the inspector off your back.  

    As for the changes some section 8 requirements aren't safety, they just are. Here you have to have overhead lights because why?   Someone can't buy a lamp.   As for the bathroom if it isn't for tenant use not sure if you can lock it up but that  is maybe more work then a drop ceiling and venting.   For CO detectors its good to get them anyway. 

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  • Account Closed
    Member since 2020 · 984 posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

     You stated in your first post that you bought (purchased) the house one month ago. In another post, you said the first inspection was on 5/20???

    Why do you want need a bathroom in a basement with no ceiling, door and poor lighting.  Cap off the pipes for less than $200 and the only thing you need is a smoke detector.

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