Section 8 tenant not paying their share of rent need advice

Section 8 tenant not paying their share of rent need advice

Member since 2020 · 18 posts · 1 vote

Hello fellow landlords,I rented my house to a section 8 family to the mother and 2 kids who are over 19. They all work and HUD determined their share and it is more than HUD pays me. Well the first month the rent was due my tenant replied to me on the 5th that she had a heart attack and would pay in a week. Kept delaying when finally we had a call and agreed with her that they would pay at the end of August rent for August and then on September 20 rent for September and starting October regular payments on the 1st. I told them if they can't afford my house they can leave and it's ok. They said they want to stay. Well, it's September 4th and I told them that on 5th I will contact a case worker and start eviction (service Notice to vacate). I also offered them to move out this week and just pay me for August. I don't understand - they moved to the house because they didn't want to live in projects to improve their life and now they just ghosting me. Should I write a daughter to let them know I am not paid yet?

I told them to contact HUD to lower their portion if she was unable to work, contact RAFT, apply for disability. Need any advice. What should I write to a case worker, should I use a constable to deliver a note. Should I go visit a property? I used to have tenants who had temporarily troubles and when they asked to pay at the end of the month one time they always did. 

0Reply
85 views

Most Popular Reply

Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Lana Ly:

You don't understand why someone would behave this way when they expressed a desire to improve their lives? It's because people are full of good ideas, but not ambition. Making a change takes effort. You have three adults living on welfare; they have no desire to do anything but take the easy route. 

Contact HUD and report them. They'll lose their voucher, you kick them out, and hopefully you learn a lesson. I recommend you really think about tightening your standards.

The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews
See this reply in the discussion

8 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Rental Property Investor · North Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    @Lana Ly

    I highly doubt they are going to be able to catch up. Every time I delay the inevitable, I lose more money and time. Last month I would have offered them cash for keys but, if you do it now, and they agree, and then do not move out; you are delaying the eviction even longer. I would start the eviction.

  • Member since 2023 · 10 posts · 6 votes
    3y

    Continue to speak plainly yet assertively. Remind them of the payment agreement and your willingness to assist them in finding programs such as HUD or RAFT. If nonpayment continues, legal counsel may be required.

  • Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    Aloha,

    Do not delay! Provide proper written notice to the Tenant AND to Section 8 initiating the eviction process per local law, and be sure to include the late fee charges per your Rental Agreement.

    Do not waste another moment "talking" with them, or writing to other family members. They are playing you like a fiddle. Did you properly screen ALL of the adults? Are ALL of those people NAMED on the Section 8 HAP Contract? Do you plan to sit around and wait for them to apply for more assistance, knowing the time it takes to see the first dime? Act now, or regret it later.

  • Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    I had this happen to me. I evicted, got a judgement, and let the local Housing Authority know about the judgement. 

    The Housing Authority will make a Section 8 tenant pay you the judgement otherwise they will lose their voucher when it's time for recertification. 

  • Member since 2020 · 18 posts · 1 vote
    3y

    Thank you for all replies. I am leaning to initiate eviction tomorrow and notify Hud. I screaned them properly, they lived in one place for a long time and wanted to get out of bad projects to better condition. What I don't understand is that why to move in if you can't and don't intend to pay. They multiple times said they have no problems to pay and even offered extras (which I don't accept). Eviction will lead for them to lose a voucher - why to do it I don't get it. Section 8 only requires them to pay 30%. 

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    3y

    Leave a note that you are doing an inspection and follow the guidelines for notice.

    Anyone who is on the lease should be notified that rent has not been paid and I'd contact their HUD contact. With 3 adults in the house over 19 and all working, even if the mom had a heart attack, this is not acceptable.

    I wouldn't try to figure out why they do what they do.  People say all sorts of stuff.  The system is there to help people, but not everyone uses it to actually get ahead and move up.

  • Member since 2020 · 18 posts · 1 vote
    3y
    Quote from @Karl B.:

    I had this happen to me. I evicted, got a judgement, and let the local Housing Authority know about the judgement. 

    The Housing Authority will make a Section 8 tenant pay you the judgement otherwise they will lose their voucher when it's time for recertification. 


     Did you notify hud before you started eviction? 

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Lana Ly:

    You don't understand why someone would behave this way when they expressed a desire to improve their lives? It's because people are full of good ideas, but not ambition. Making a change takes effort. You have three adults living on welfare; they have no desire to do anything but take the easy route. 

    Contact HUD and report them. They'll lose their voucher, you kick them out, and hopefully you learn a lesson. I recommend you really think about tightening your standards.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.