Have you ever questioned what it truly takes for a landlord to approve a Section 8 application? You’re certainly not the only one. Many individuals utilizing housing vouchers are concerned about how to make a favorable impression and secure their desired property. To shed light on this, we consulted with a seasoned Section 8 landlord.

Introducing Justin. With years of experience managing rental properties across various states, from low-income areas to upscale regions like Southern California, he has a wealth of knowledge. Justin also has connections in the landlord community, giving him a valuable perspective on what landlords seek in tenants—particularly those with Section 8 vouchers.

If you’re keen to discover how to boost your chances of approval, keep reading. Justin has a range of insider tips and tricks to help you stand out!

The Section 8 Landlord Interview

Thank you for joining us, Justin! This should really benefit our readers.

I appreciate being here! I’m glad to assist. Anything that can help bridge the gap between landlords and tenants makes life easier for everyone!

Let’s dive right in! Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers sometimes carry a stigma. What’s your perspective on them and renting to tenants who utilize these vouchers?

I have no issues with them. Smart landlords should embrace them. It guarantees rental income, and generally, these tenants stick around longer. Section 8 often gets a bad rap due to real horror stories of properties being damaged by those who don’t have to pay for them. Yet, there are just as many challenging tenant stories from those not on Section 8 as well. The reality is that people tend to focus on negative experiences, but positive stories about tidy and responsible tenants often go untold.

This leads landlords to recount more extreme cases, causing others to remember incidents that share a common theme, featuring housing voucher users. However, I’ve found that many Section 8 tenants genuinely care for their properties, grateful for the chance to have a nice home. They’re motivated to maintain it so they don’t have to endure the process of finding new housing again.

The only slight inconvenience is the extra paperwork and annual inspections, but as I maintain all my properties in good condition, it’s really manageable.

What are your biggest red flags when evaluating a new tenant?

This might sound a bit quirky, but my primary red flag is when someone is overly friendly. Naturally, if someone is rude, they’re out the door. But that rarely happens because most understand not to be rude when they want something. When a person is excessively enthusiastic about a unit, it raises my suspicions—often indicating they may be attempting to hide something from me. I keep my units nice, but they’re not palatial; when someone treats one as if it’s the ultimate living space or fawns over me like I’m their best friend, I become cautious. I once had a very friendly applicant who turned out to be dishonest about her income and would have essentially become a squatter.

The way someone dresses can also be a significant red flag. While I’m not very formal and wear jeans and a T-shirt daily, if someone shows up in filthy, stained, or ripped clothes, or even pajamas, that raises a concern. If they don’t care enough to present themselves neatly for a meeting with a landlord, they’re probably not going to care for my rental unit either. I also take a quick look inside their vehicle for similar reasons. If it’s cluttered with trash and unclean, it’s likely they will treat their living space accordingly.

What are the most positive signs that make you feel good about a potential tenant?

Honesty is refreshing. Everyone faces challenges, so being upfront about them is appreciated; often, there’s a way I can work with someone if there’s an issue.

I particularly value it when renters inquire about multi-year leases. While I typically wait for a tenant to have a problem-free year before signing a long-term lease, such questions indicate a desire for stability and foresight in the tenant, which are both excellent traits.

Lastly, it may sound odd, but tenants with allergies or asthma tend to make great renters. I manage a family in Texas with an asthmatic son whose condition makes them diligent in keeping the house impeccably clean. They maintain it so well that it’s cleaner than my own home! That’s a landlord’s dream. They have been with me for years, and I won’t raise their rent because they take such good care of my property.

While I can’t inquire about medical details as a landlord, if someone mentions needing to keep a space allergen-free during a walkthrough, it certainly boosts their appeal.

Also, bringing all necessary documentation—recent pay stubs, a credit report, a filled-out application, and a background check—shows initiative and transparency and makes it easier for me to consider them favorably.

Do you ever contact references or previous landlords of an applicant?

I do occasionally. Typically, though, landlords—including myself—don’t reach out to friends or family references. It feels like a wasted effort, as no one would list someone who has negative things to say. I also avoid calling a current landlord; if someone is problematic, that landlord might be motivated to give a glowing review to get rid of them. Instead, I prefer to contact the landlord of a previous residence, as they’re usually more willing to provide honest feedback.

Have you noticed any benefits of renting to Section 8 tenants?

Absolutely. My Section 8 tenants effectively supported me during the pandemic. I had multiple renters who ceased rent payments during the eviction moratorium, but my mortgage payments continued. However, the Section 8 vouchers were unaffected, which was a huge relief.

Being in Southern California, I have friends with properties in Los Angeles who experienced tenants failing to pay rent for two years, leaving them with no recourse. The advantage of renting to Housing Choice Voucher recipients is that, since the government covers the rent, I never have to worry about that aspect.

Any final advice for someone trying to find a landlord that takes Section 8?

Absolutely! I recommend seeking rental units owned by individual landlords rather than corporations or those managed by property management companies. Establishing a personal connection with a landlord can be beneficial, as they are more likely to understand your unique circumstances. Personally, I value my tenants and aim to support them in staying as long as they wish.

In contrast, when interacting with a corporation or property management office, you’ll often find yourself treated as just another entry on a spreadsheet. Employees typically lack the authority to deviate from protocols, meaning they can’t genuinely assist you, nor will they often show genuine concern. Large companies manage hundreds of properties, making it easier for them to absorb the loss of a tenant without much fuss. However, for smaller landlords like myself, each vacant unit is significant, motivating me to do everything I can—within reason—to ensure my tenants are content and continue residing with me!

Key Takeaways

How do landlords feel about renting to Section 8 tenants?

A number of landlords, including Justin, view Section 8 tenants favorably because it ensures consistent rent payments. While there are some negative anecdotes, most Section 8 tenants tend to maintain the property well.

What are the biggest red flags for landlords when screening Section 8 tenants?

Excessively friendly behavior or arriving in unkempt or unsuitable clothing can raise concerns. Justin also takes note of how potential tenants care for their vehicles, as this often indicates how they may treat a rental space.

What are green flags landlords look for in Section 8 applicants?

Positive attributes include honesty, inquiries about longer-term leases, and tenants who prioritize their health or have allergies (indicating they usually keep their environments clean). Presenting essential documentation, such as pay stubs and a credit report, is also advantageous.

Do landlords contact an applicant’s references?

Justin typically avoids reaching out to family references or current landlords, believing they may not provide truthful feedback. Instead, he prefers to contact a previous landlord for a more reliable assessment.

What are the benefits of renting to Section 8 tenants?

One of the greatest advantages is the assurance of rental income, which proved especially valuable during the pandemic when some tenants were unable to make payments.

What’s the best way to find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

Look for individual landlords instead of corporate entities or property management companies. Smaller landlords are often more adaptable and eager to foster a relationship with their tenants.