Section 8 Rules
Hello Brownstoners, Is it illegal to NOT rent to section 8 vouchers holders if you own a 4 family building? Thx
Hello Brownstoners,
Is it illegal to NOT rent to section 8 vouchers holders if you own a 4 family building?
Thx
While late in this conversation I find this discussion quite interesting. I am ambitious, hardworking and college educated single mother of 5. I own and operate a home business. I teach my children values such as integrity, community and responsibility. My credit is decent and yet I have been turned away with my 3 bedroom section 8 voucher after brief conversations about having the program on the telephone more than I care to mention.
While I completely understand the concerns about renting to “tenants from hell” who are on programs, I find it so disheartening and frustrating that hard working program holders(such as myself)with vision of living in a diverse neighborhood with families that have a similar value structure becomes more of a fantasy than a possibility due to fear.
The truth of the matter is that there are many program holders that are transitioning in life. They contribute to the development of community and have plans to become completely self-sufficient. However at this time they are in need of assistance to move forward. Without real opportunity to live in communities that can truly reflect the values that these families honor, it is ever more challenging for these families to move into a healthy lifestyle that supports and nurtures independence.
As a Section 8 Program holder with a vision of one day owning my own rental property I understand the concerns because I have witness first hand how tenants destroy the time, resources, dedication and care that owners have invested into their properties. However, I also see a need for REAL discussions with prospective tenants on programs that is based more on character and less on fear of past experiences.
For those that have doubts about renting to a family on a program I challenge you to move beyond your fears, think about the type of family you would like extend an opportunity to rent to and make your unit their home and sanctuary. Step out of your comfort zone and truly embrace diversity that includes economics.
I currently have about 17 sec. 8 tenants and the notion that the tenants will not do anything to mess it up is far from the truth. the reasoning is that since they do not pay the rent why take care of the apt. 80% of these tenants are a pain to deal with including the additional paperwork. most of the landlords that i deal with do not want to rent to sec. 8 tenants.
You do not have to accept Hud section 8. Just tell the prospective tenants that you do not wish to go through the paperwork process or the process of having your home checked to be a Hud Section 8 landlord.
If the tenant tells you that it isn’t a big process, let them know that you don’t want a tenant that you aren’t sure if they are able to afford the apartment.
I know a landlord who swears by section 8. He only takes section 8 and has guaranteed rent and tenants that pay every month.
His theory is that people w/ section 8 are getting most if not all of their rent free, they do not want to do anything to mess that up. Granted, the buildings are in less prime areas and therefore were cheaper to buy and more affordable for sec. 8 voucher holders to rent…
Thanks for all your replies!
regarding section-8 regulations,
the pay from the city is steady and reliable.
the city is somewhat slow however in implementing rental increases, although they do eventually pay up.
the city also inspects the units yearly, and will stop payments if there is an infraction that goes uncorrected or if by chance, the tenant does not allow access to inspectors fast enough.
I understand that it is illegal to deny a tenant a lease just because of section-8, there must be other reasons given such as poor credit history or lack of sufficient income.
You don’t have to accept section 8, it is an opt-in program. But once you do opt-in, than you cannot decide not to take section 8 if you are still in the program.
You need to check the City’s Human Rights Law. Don’t just go by federal rules on section 8. Try the City’s Human Rights Commission’s web page.
Hmm, I think the treshold is 6 units? Could be 4? The city council in their infinite wisdom made it illegal for 6+ (again, could be 4) unit landlords to deny vouchers and they left it at that. The good news is that LL’s must consider it as part of the applicant’s income, so in theory, if someone has bad credit etc, they can still be denied.