Section 8 Housing for Tenants

Low income families can lose the Section 8 benefits more easily than non-Section 8 renters, they include, violations to the lease contract between the renter and property owner, violations in the Section 8 agreement, such as, damage to rental unit, illegal activities, having more residents reside in the unit than stated on the contract, failing to report changes in income and residents at unit, vacating unit without notice, owing money to public entities, failing to pay your portion of the rent.

The Section 8 Housing Voucher Program assists low-income individuals and families with their rental payments. Property owners use their own rental agreement or lease and decide what the term of tenancy, month to month to a year is common. The tenant has the same obligations as any tenant and State law regarding evictions still apply, but Section 8 tenants also have criteria that can get them evicted. Each month the property owner will receive two payments for the tenant’s rent ,one from the tenant, which is about 30-40% of his or her income, and the balance from the local Section 8 office. Usually, there are two agencies that deal with Section 8: there is a county housing that deals with rural homes or those outside the city, and those within a city limits. So, if you rental is within or not within city limits, just know which agency to deal with.

Applicants receive the following deductions:

• $480 for each member of the family residing in the household (other than the head of the household or spouse) who is under 18 years of age or is disabled or a full-time student any age.
• $400 for any over 62 or disabled family member.
• Medical expenses in excess of 3% of annual family income of any elderly or disabled family.
• Reasonable child care expenses necessary that enables the tenant to work.

The shortest period lease is six months, usually, most are one year. Many property owners like Section 8 because of the stable income, at least 30-40% of the rent. Of course, the tenant still must pay their share but they have the burden because failure to do so could have them lose their voucher. Not all tenants using Section 8 are bad people, despite what has been said. Low income does not always equate to bad people. That is why the landlord should screen and run credit checks on applicants as they normally would do.