A Quick Landlord's Guide to Section 8 Housing

Ackley Florida Property Management - Friday, July 22, 2022
Property Management Blog

Over five million people live in Section 8 housing nationwide. With so many people living in Section 8 housing, there is an opportunity for landlords to specialize in Section 8 housing. Being a landlord is nothing more than running a business, owning and renting properties comes with responsibilities and consistent involvement. Section 8 property consists of rigorous government inspections that must be passed. So if you are new to all this then you must consult Property Management in Orlando. Section 8 inspections can be a worry-free and relatively straightforward process with sufficient planning and preparation,

What Is Section 8 Housing?

Section 8 was added as a part of the Housing and Community Development Act in 1974. It was conceived to help low-income renters by providing vouchers. Section 8 is led by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to help find folks affordable housing. 

How Do The Vouchers Work?

You may find rent prices all across the board depending on where you live. For instance, the average price for a two-bedroom rental is $2,000 a month. That is a tall price for those without much income just to live. However, under section 8 housing folks with low income, elderly, or disabled person’s annual income is $26,000 and breaks into $2,100 per month. Thirty percent of that monthly income is paid to the landlord by the renter, this is the threshold a person with section 8 housing must meet. 

For a $2,000 rental, the landlord gets $700 from the renter. Here’s where the vouchers come into play. The housing authority pays the remaining cost of the rent for the renter who qualified for section 8 housing which means the landlord will receive the remaining $1,300 from the government. This way the renter gets proper housing while the landlord is compensated the remaining balance by HUD. For further information and assistance in this process, you might consider consulting Orlando residential property management.

How does Section 8 Real Estate work?

As a renter, you must go through a fairly lengthy process with the government to qualify for section 8 housing benefits. Mostly those with physical infirmities are quickly guaranteed the benefits while others may have to wait in the system for years. This process is called Tenant-based Section 8. After getting the voucher tenant must follow strict rules to retain it.

If you are a landlord then you must know about Project-Based Section 8, this is where the voucher will be attached to your specific rental property. This means if the section 8 qualified tenant moves in they don’t take your voucher. You need to through your local housing authority to qualify for a Section 8 housing voucher as a landlord. Your property will be inspected and required to be safe and livable for the renters.

Also Read: Closing Costs - What They Include, And What They Might Not

Conclusion

For the community's weakest people Section 8 housing is essential as it provides lucrative opportunities for renters. It also allows landlords to help those who are in need. The above-mentioned things are the most important things you should be tracking if you are considering becoming a Section 8 landlord. So as long as you know what you are doing this is a great space to work in.