By Stephanie Reid, Avvo attorney and NakedLaw contributor
Many property owners extend the welcome mat to Section 8 housing tenants because the program provides prompt, regular payments on behalf of voucher holders. Like any government program, it’s important to understand the details and requirements so you can avoid compliance issues.
What is the Section 8 housing program?
The term comes from a section of the U.S. code known as Chapter 8 of the Public Health and Welfare title. The law uses taxpayer funding to help states address the shortage of affordable housing for low-income families and remedy unsafe housing conditions they may face. It’s also intended to foster economically mixed housing and local populations, and assist elderly and disabled tenants.As a landlord, accepting Section 8 housing vouchers can be good for business while also promoting the common good.
How do I enroll my property in the Section 8 housing program?
To begin receiving Section 8-eligible tenants, start by contacting the local housing authority to inquire about program requirements. Each state has its own housing authority office, and some larger cities, such as New York City, also have their own housing authority sub-office.The housing authority will place your property on its list of available rental units, and voucher holders can then decide if they’d like to rent one of your properties.
Are there any special background check rules?
You are allowed to vet prospective Section 8 tenants in the same way as other tenants, including financial and criminal background checks. Like all landlords, Section 8 landlords must never engage in any discriminatory conduct and must treat all housing applicants equally.What Section 8 forms will I need to submit?
After selecting a renter, there are several forms you must submit to the housing authority in order to complete the arrangement, including:- Landlord Information Form describing the property owner & rental unit
- Housing Assistance Contract form, available here
- A copy of the lease agreement
- Request for Tenancy Approval form, available here
- W-9 form including renter’s information
How will I receive payments?
Once the tenant is properly enrolled and the paperwork is complete, you will receive a pre-determined sum of money from the federal government each month which subsidizes the total cost of the rental unit.You must provide the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development with checking account information in order to receive your direct deposit payment each month.
How do I evict a Section 8 tenant if necessary?
You may evict a Section 8 voucher holder for any lawful reason covered within the lease agreement. You are under no obligation to make exceptions to established rules for voucher holders, and are actually required to terminate the tenancy in the following scenarios:- Failure to disclose information about family size or identity
- Inability to establish citizenship or lawful residency status
- Fraud or deceit during the application process
Courtesy of:
REALTOR (R)
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Licensed in MD
nakia.evans@CBmove.com
Cell: 443.864.1358
Timonium, MD 21093
Office 410-252-2111
Fax 410-560-2825
www.CBmove.com/Nakia.Evans
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