How to Rent Your House to Section 8 Tenants

Section 8 reduces the frustration of being a landlord.

Section 8 is a government program that subsidizes rent for low-income families and individuals. Local housing authorities receive funds to administer Section 8 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Private landlords provide the bulk of rentals in the Section 8 program. Landlords who participate in the program receive rent by direct deposit at the beginning of every month. There is a waiting list for Section 8 housing in many rental markets, so landlords have no problem finding tenants.

1

List your house for rent with your local housing authority.

2

Show the house to Section 8 participants who call from the housing authority list. Fill out and submit to the housing authority the potential tenant's Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) form after you and the tenant agree to lease terms. The tenant should have her RTA with her when she comes to see the apartment. Remind the potential tenant to bring it when you schedule the appointment.

3

Schedule an appointment to meet a housing authority home inspector at the rental property. The inspector will give you a list of any repairs or improvements you must make before the lease can be approved and the tenant can move in. Call to request a reinspection after you have completed all requested repairs and improvements.

4

Negotiate and finalize rent with a housing authority representative after the house passes inspection. Review and sign the landlord agreement provided by the housing authority. Complete the process by providing the housing authority with a W-9, a signed copy of the lease, a deed or HUD-1 to prove ownership, and a government-issued identification card.

5

Give keys to the tenant and transfer utilities to the tenant.

Things You Will Need

• Lease
• Deed or HUD-1 (closing statement)
• Government-issued identification

Tips

• Do a drive-by inspection of a potential tenant's current address. If he keeps it in good condition, chances are he will keep your property in good condition.

Warnings

• Do not include utilities in the rent. Tenants often exceed their monthly utility allotment.
• Expect many calls from potential tenants, even after the property has been rented. Consider a separate phone line for rental-related business.