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 For readers not familiar with the Section 8 federal government rent subsidy program, it helps low-income renters afford decent housing. Section 8 tenants pay 30 percent of their income for rent and the government pays the balance. But there are city-by-city maximum rents.
The concept is great. It works especially well with senior citizen tenants. But there is extensive paperwork for both tenant and landlord. Also, it's hard to check tenant credit (which is often very bad). My biggest complaint is the annual inspections by a local housing authority inspector. Some inspectors are very nice. Others are the meanest people you will ever meet. One inspector demanded I re-carpet the tenant's house because the stair carpet was a bit worn (but not dangerous). I said, "Fine, but I'll have to pay for the new carpet with a rent increase that will be above your limit." Suddenly, she changed her mind and said, "That carpet isn't so worn after all." By best advice is, unless you have trouble filling your vacancies with good quality tenants, avoid the hassles of Section 8 tenants. Most Section 8 tenants are extremely appreciative, but dealing with the local housing authority bureaucrats can be very frustrating.
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