How to Participate in Section 8 Housing

As a landlord, you may choose to take part in a federally subsidized program called "Section 8." As a member, you can receive money from the government for allowing low-income individuals to live on your property. There are some stringent rules you must abide by in order to qualify as a Section 8 landlord.

Instructions

1. Obtain a copy of the current Section 8 rules from the Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD) before you sign up for the program. Carefully read the entire agreement, there are pros and cons to participating.

2. Pick up application forms from your local housing authority and apply to become a Section 8 landlord with HUD. It may take over a month to have your application processed so apply well in advance of the time you wish to begin participating.

3. Allow HUD authorities to determine the correct rent for your area. Unfortunately, many property owners feel HUD undervalues their property and sets the monthly rates too low. As government budgets suffer, Section 8 housing allotments can feel the pinch first.

4. Accept housing vouchers from approved applicants. When you qualify as a Section 8 participant, you will receive a voucher from an applicant for the subsidized portion of their rent and they will pay you the balance out of their own pocket.

5. Send the collected vouchers to the government office specified on your application form to receive the subsidized portion of the rent. Collect the balance from your tenants.

6. Determine who will rent your property based upon strict Fair Housing standards when you are participating in Section 8. You cannot discriminate in the areas of race, religion and familial status. HUD monitors subsidized property owners closely.

Tips & Warnings

• Screen your tenants carefully by using background checks. If you deny tenancy, make sure you have a good reason.

• HUD may set your rent limit lower than you would like, so make sure you are using a property that you could not otherwise rent to full-paying tenants.

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