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If you’re a section 8 landlord and want a security deposit, you must collect this from the tenant. The Section 8 program has no responsibility for damages, unpaid tenant rent, or other claims you might have against the tenant. The maximum security deposit you may collect is one month’s rent. You may not collect the last month’s rent.

Do I sign a lease with the tenant?

You must sign a lease with the tenant for a minimum of one year. The lease should contain: the names of the landlord and tenant, the address of the rental property, term of lease and how it will be renewed, monthly rent amount, which utilities are paid by the tenant, appliances that must be provided by the tenant, Tenancy Addendum You must include the Tenancy Addendum exactly as it appears on the HUD web site: Tenancy Addendum (requires Adobe Reader)

Other conditions may be included as long as they do not violate any laws.

What does the inspection entail?

Your property will be inspected to make sure that it meets the housing standards of the Section 8 program. An inspector will examine the outside of the building, the plumbing and heating systems, the exits and hallways, and each room to make sure that it is safe, clean, and in good condition.

The property must be vacant during the first inspection, and all utilities must be turned on. The inspector must have access to all areas of the building.

A family will not be allowed to rent your apartment until the necessary repairs have been made to pass inspection.

The apartment will be re-inspected every year. If problems are found, you must make repairs within the time allotted or else Section 8 will stop payments.

How much rent can I charge?

The rent you charge must be reasonable compared to other units of similar size in that area. The Section 8 office compares your rent to their payment standards based in part on the fair market rents.

If you want to increase the rent with a new lease, you must get approval from Section 8. The rent must remain reasonable and within the family’s ability to pay, or else it won’t be approved by Section 8.

How do I get paid?

Section 8 sends you a check for their portion of the rent each month. You will continue to receive rent checks as long as the tenant remains eligible for Section 8 and your unit meets the Section 8 program standards.

The landlord is responsible for collecting the tenants portion of the rent each month.

What’s the eviction process?

The eviction laws are the same for a Section 8 tenant as a non Section 8 tenant.

Section 8 Landlord | Become a Section 8 Landlord | Section8landlord.net | Section 8