What do I need to know with Section 8 Tenants

Hello there,
I know this post is a few years old but to clarify...Section 8 landlords don't pay a Realtor commission at all? Is that standard or just some? I just took on a client this weekend and will help her either way.

Hello Ryan,
I have worked with various housing programs that assist low income, homeless, etc clients. I have worked with the various programs since 1997. The biggest hurdle is educating your owner or investors on working with the clients. There are various myths and misconceptions about housing and there are some true facts. Yes, some landlords have had bad experiences. But that is not just with housing clients. Any client at any time can prove to be a bad experience. Screening for any lease is priority one. Housing programs if applied correctly can be a win win for all parties. The landlord or owner has a property that is not vacant, income producing and saving the value as a result. These programs are a lot of work because of the lack of properties available. Some listing agents make it even harder because they do not want to pay the full commission. Some agents will sit on your file while the client time frame is running out. Housing usually gives the client only 60 days to locate a property. Credit should not be a major deterrent from accepting housing. At least half of the housing clients has some type of credit challenge and even evictions, because they were low income and could not afford market rent. That is the need for the program. I look at the whole picture. How much income do they have coming in, where is the source of income, backgrounds, etc. I saw the statement that these clients are screened thoroughly through housing. Not true. I have calls on a regular from housing clients from misdemeanors to several felonies. Go to some of the meetings for landlords and owners. You need to know and understand how to read the vouchers. I require the client to be application and deposit ready before I even move . These clients are not loyal even with a buyers rep in place. hope this helps and questions reach out to me 832-423-8303

I have personally had 4-5 section 8 tenants over the last 3 years. It's normally a good thing for land lords because they know for sure they will get their check every month. Their credit doesn't matter. They have a list of things they have to do to keep the state paying their rent. Like work. Only issue is Hud often changes the terms during the lease. As the tenant gets on their feet Hud pays less and tenant pays more. This is where the problems start. You also have annual inspections and have to do any repairs the inspector puts on the list. It takes patience but once you get them in the rest is pretty easy. They also have set rates. They pay so much for a one bedroom and a flat rate for a 2 bedroom etc. They will sign the trec lease but in my cases did not go by it. Everything depends on the tenant doing their part and if they don't the money stops. If you want to call me some time I have some great stories. Good luck !

All comment below are true and very helpful. In my experience with section 8 tenants, it is important to remind them that they must follow the rules of the home / apartment complex. Occupancy is a concern of mine since in the past I have had additional people appear in the apartment or home and lease only allows for "x" number of people in the home. On a positive note, Section 8 tenants are great long term tenants and if you are a good landlord they will take care of your property.

It took two months for my only one client of sec8 to get through every steps and get approval. Very less choices and if clients try to be picky than you might not find anything. There are many steps for landlord and tenants to follow and get through it. All apartments dont fit either into that category. So be prepared for extra works. If you represent a landlord who will be open for sec8 tenants , then that might be easier than representing a tenant. Good luck

I have helped out a couple families with section 8 and have better luck with placing those families in apartment homes. If you haven't already signed up for ADS (Apartment Data Services) go to the website and register for free!Through that application you can select the HUD, voucher or section 8 option and all apartments that fit that criteria will pull up. In the agent remarks it says whether or not commission is paid on housing clients. The tenant is already prescreened before they get the voucher and usually have a clean background. I know most Realtors don't like to work housing leads because properties dont pay but they are none the less people in need too. Upon applying, housing will usually come afterwards to inspect the property and unit. If you have any questions or help you can feel free to contact me, I can help you!

Stephanie Coronado
Gary Ismail Fine Properties
281.704.3727
Stephanie.garciacoronado@gmail.com

All Section 8 leases that I have done in the past were fairly lengthy. There are very few Section 8 home available. Restrictions are stiff and I never got paid for one of them so... I focused on other ways to help people get into an affordable lease other than Section 8.