A Landlord worst nightmare

[Sharon Porter]

I purchase a 2 family 2 years ago. I inherit 2 tenants one a section 8 and  the other was put in the property to sell it by the owner. He gave the first floor money to rent the apartment and I was not aware of what was going on until late. The guy he rent the apartment to put a group of homeless people in the apartment because they didn't work or have any income. The first month the guy in the first keep saying to me if I want him to leave. I didn't understand what he was saying until he finally left and leave the homeless people in my apartment. I am in the process of trying to get them out. They owed me 7 months $10K in back rent and that not only that but the second the second 8 call the police on me. Call the city on me (twice) on me at the same time she doesn't pay her rent. So now I am losing $7K from section 8 because they refuse to pay me because they said I didn't fix the apartment that the second floor daughter dig up the walls and the flooring. I think they need to get rid of section 8 because it allows people to be irresponsible and have the mind set that they should live for free without paying. 

(Moderator note: removed political comment)

I hope investor don't invest in Massachusetts it is the worst state for landlord. The court system is the worst so if you are thinking of investing in Ma don't. I wouldn't advise my worst enemy to invest in MA. I know I read an article before about how this poor investor went through hell with tenant and the court in MA. If you are a small investor this is not the state for you unless you want to loose money. So I am selling this property and move to another state where I can invest and gain success. 

[Larry Myer]

If you are in the class C and D world section 8 is the way to go, in my opinion.   I owned and managed class D proerty for over 40 years here in Kansas City.  Section 8 agencies only provide the rental assistance.  You are responsible for screening and managing the property.  Section 8 inspections both inital (prior to move in) and annual at lease renewal look for nothing more than what you should have regardless of who you are renting to.  In their terminology "decent, safe and sanitory".   A light switch has to turn on the light, a toilet has to flush and "product" not end uo in the basement because the floor drain is stopped up..

Unfortunately these are management intensive properties.  Monthly trips to the property just to say "Hi" are important.  Put up with nothing.  Tenant caused damages and housekeeping issues need to brought to their attention immediatly.  They are more afraid of loosing their voucher than enything.  Terminating their lease and evictiong for cause will cause that to happen.  

Manage your property.  Do not let the property manage you.

Larry Myer