Section 8....HELP!!!

[AIR]

Ladies and Gents,

I got my first call today for my rental. A lady with two kids house recently burnt down and is VERY interested. She asked if I accepted sec 8 stamps. I said I haven't delt with sec 8 before and I would call her back. I have no idea about section 8.... From what I understand is that HUD gives her assitance towards rent. Do I deal with her like any other tenant? Do the utilities all go in her name? Do i need background checks etc or does HUD already supply that? If anyone has time to chat later I would love to do so, even call on the phone would be great\.

[Debbie]

Ladies and Gents,

I got my first call today for my rental. A lady with two kids house recently burnt down and is VERY interested. She asked if I accepted sec 8 stamps. I said I haven't delt with sec 8 before and I would call her back.DO NOT call her back. If she calls back then deal with her at that time. I have no idea about section 8.... This is your first property. This is NOT the time for you to deal with Section 8. If you are interested in renting out Section 8, visit all offices (city/county) first. Also, visit your local landlord association and learn what their experiences are.From what I understand is that HUD gives her assitance towards rent. Some pay small portion. Some pay all rent. Some pay utilities, some do not. If anytime that the section 8 tenant complain, you'll likely lose your rent money and you'll have to fight, er, prove you're not a negligent landlord. Do I deal with her like any other tenant? Section 8 tenant must be treated like any other tenant however, keep in mind that you'd be "working" for Section 8. Do the utilities all go in her name? Not necessarily. Do i need background checks etc or does HUD already supply that? NEVER rely on Section 8 to do background checks. You can do the background check, financially, criminal and eviction. You can reject any potential tenants, including section 8 tenant for failing to meet your criterias. If anyone has time to chat later I would love to do so, even call on the phone would be great\.

I can be available for chat later tonight. Best time is after 8:30pm central time.

BTW---if she calls back before the chat, tell her that your property is not approved by Section 8. Yes, you'll be telling her the truth simply because your property is not yet inspected by Section 8 but do NOT tell her that part. Just say "I'm sorry. I learned that my property is not approved by Section 8. Thank you for calling". Then politely hang up, do not continue the conversation.

EDIT: It is now 8:23pm. I noticed there's no comment after my post therefore I'll assume there will be no chat. Let me know of date/time of your chat request and we'll discuss Section 8 & landlording

[AIR]

Debbie,

thanks so much for your detailed post. Sorry I got tied up last night and wasn't able to log back on. I would love to chat sometime soon...sounds like you have a great deal of knowledge on section 8.

[Debbie]

Debbie,

thanks so much for your detailed post. Sorry I got tied up last night and wasn't able to log back on. I would love to chat sometime soon...sounds like you have a great deal of knowledge on section 8.

We can chat sometime this weekend. Got a vacancy and gotta paint the whole place this weekend (what fun!) so I'll check in on your response as soon as I can.