Section 8 vouchers

[Madylen Barberan]

Hello!

I am new to this, on my first rental. I am curious to see the opinions of seasoned landlords...how do you feel about taking section 8 tenants. Our rental is nice, it is the house we are moving out of and making into a rental. I know some of the rental income is guaranteed with section 8, but the tenant situation seems a bit risky? I welcome any advice! 

[Quan-Tia S. Busch]

It's important to understand that Section 8 clients are paying clients. I realize that there is a stigma that comes along with vouchered renters, however, the truth is that they are more often than not unjustly stereotyped. Most renters vouchered and unvouchered are decent people who may or may or may not be good tenants. Having an income and high credit score does not guarantee security or respectful treatment of your property and other tenants. Having a voucher and low or no credit does not mean that they will be disrespectful to your property and other tenants. I know there are plenty of horror stories out there, but they are the minority and not the majority. Unfortunately, "bad news travel fast and good news takes the scenic route."