Most Landlords Reject Section 8 Tenants Because Inspections Are Outdated And Useless

[@andymalanga]

Having residents who are home all day with nothing to do is never a good situation.

[@jimmyday9536]

They stay home and watch TV ads and videos about how to scam landlords.

[@ryanroberts1104]

I look at that just like I look at having a dog. No question that causes more wear and tear on the property. I usually choose the lowest number of inhabitants possible per unit. Plus if they are on section 8 most of them have kids, bad kids frequently left home alone. Not in my house...

[@rrotwang]

I'm a cancer survivor So sometimes I'm home all day

[@dirkvanerp7332]

@@andymalanga Atari gaming and crack?

[@dirkvanerp7332]

@@andymalanga smoking crack cocaine and watching Okra Winfrey,

[@Handle4570]

The government should be the one covering damages section 8 tenants do

[@justjen12345]

They don't?! I've never looked much into Section 8. I've been asked but, it just never felt right. I do not trust our government anymore. Lost my a** during covid. Back peddling, barely making it.

[@georgewagner7787]

The government gets money from taxpayers. You. They have no profit earning business. It's you. The money comes from you.

[@Handle4570]

@@georgewagner7787 I agree. Taxpayers always pay for what incompetent government people do

[@ryanroberts1104]

That's one of the biggest issues with the sec 8 program. And they can't possibly fix all the damage caused on a monthly basis in every sec 8 rental, because they could never afford it. No thanks, I'll stick with tenants who have a good job and matching credit score. I am not desperate - I don't know why you would ever accept this if you were not desperate.

[@jennifer3551]

Damages, any legal fees if they have to be evicted, and loss rent should all be covered if you have a s8 tenant

[@johndautremont3748]

I am a 100% disabled veteran. I lived in a section 8 apartment for years while waiting for my VA benefits to be approved. I was then able to purchase a home of my own. I went from homeless, to section 8, to homeowner in 15 years. I'm thankful for the assistance I received. "Thank you", to all you landlords that are willing to accept the section 8 vouchers and the headache that comes with it. Some of us on the other side of the scenario are very grateful for the roof over our head.

[@americafirst9144]

And thank you sir. We need to treat our veterans well.

[@israeliteonlycampkilluhi.o2108]

Its NOT the inspections that the Issue. ..its NOONE want to Get into a Contract with a Govt that Doesnt have your Best interest in mind.

[@paulalewis3389]

I agree!

[@ryanroberts1104]

Also no one wants to deal with those kind of people. They are a "special" bunch.

[@cdrone4066]

As a landlord I will never get involved with section 8, nobody is going to control my property. My lease is with the tenant, not the government. The government is the worst landlord, have you seen NYCHA buildings, HUD isn’t much better.

[@reese8752]

All welfare should be temporary

[@props-model-shop]

Ran into a couple at a local seminar who had a 180 unit apartments for sale. They had been running these units for two years and about 60% of the tenants were section 8. They were so tired of dealing with the whole thing, all they wanted to do is sell-out all together... too much stress.

[@ryanroberts1104]

People like that should get out, they obviously can't handle it. If it was managed right starting years/decades ago, it would be a gold mine. And if you're tired of section 8, stop taking it! That does have to be one of the worst section 8 problems, having multiples in the same building. Then you are 110% guaranteed at least one or ten will be a big problem. That seems like the kind of place you should give somebody a free apartment to deal with it for you.

[@terrystewart2070]

My first and last section 8 debacle was about 30 years ago. The move in inspection happened within a week. Not bad, right? They found some some stupid things that had to be fixed for "safety" reasons....the big one was the electric outlet behind the fridge didn't have a cover plate on it. (I might add, this was a massive side by side unit in a galley kitchen so small that once the fridge was slid out it had to be dollied completely out of the kitchen to even get behind it!!!) So yeah. About a year later the tenant leaves. The place is full of garbage and thrashed. I call for the move out inspection. Keep in mind upon move in, they (the sec. 8 overlords) assured me that if the tenant left any problems, no worries, they would fix it all. I am informed that the inspectors will not be able to get there for at least 60 days. And, on top of that, IF they decided to do anything upon inspection, that would be about another 6 months. And no, they would not pay rent during those 8 months. My response: F U section 8!!!! NEVER AGAIN!

[@lisaparrish1241]

I appreciate you sharing this. We are landlords helping an ill family member. Her rental was destroyed to the tune of 30k plus by a tenant. Hubby agrees with a lot of your advice too. We don’t accept Section 8 either. Here’s my ques., if Section 8 is so particular before the tenant moves in… how come they don’t accept liability for All repairs after this person they sent , leaves??? A landlord should recover every penny.

[@TL-wy1nk]

I 100% agree.

[@georgewagner7787]

Why? Because government money comes from you

[@OldsmobileCutlassSupremeConver]

Stay as far away from section 8 as possible.

[@marshallforeman2051]

Section 8 is a joke , I will never rent to them again. between dealing with the tenant and incompetent caseworkers, it is a nightmare one time I had to change my banks up an thy want to do direct deposit in my bank account, which took six months and me going over there to the office physically two times and I quit counting the phone calls me trying to call them after about 12 calls given them the routing number and account number. It was the biggest joke I’ve ever seen in my life.

[@MrBiggz-do6ej]

Ya better to not deal with that but another option is you are left to evict the tenant which should light a fire under their tail to make their agreed upon payment on a timely manner or you could find a tenant who will. Remember the lease is between you & the tenant for payment you are just being nice allowing a 3rd party to pay but if payment are not on time ... The tenant is still liable in the meantime

[@andymalanga]

Defund the government and lower taxes!

[@mapleaf6672]

Eliminate the S8 inspection dept., use those funds to compensate LLs after the S8 tenant leaves the place in a state of ruination.

[@beverlygarcia6475]

As a landlord I will never ever be part of no section 8. My husband has some houses on section 8 in a different city and those houses are not well taken care of by the people of the renter. Every time my husband would rent the rental properties to a renter on section 8 there is so much damage in the house I could not believe that they would do so much damage

[@claudettedoyley9056]

My Mom had a Brand New Townhouse the builder Model, after a year we had replaced the A/C and wiring. The tenants were complaining again Brand New property.!!! Some of these people are ungrateful .

[@jerrypissonme]

My rental wasn't section 8 (do to all the horror stories I heard about the program). And my "bad" tenants eventually received a voucher but I didn't go that route. They could have gotten double the house than mine if they would have found a new place, but they didn't, long story short, they lost their voucher because they were too screwed up to look for new housing. In hind sight, I wish they did find a better (bigger) place because they cost me thousands in repairs and rent. No section 8 ers for me.

[@johnkovac9613]

My section 8 tenant paid late, never kept the place clean, and thanked me by trashing the place before she left. She could not and did not hold a job. Section 8 will NOT pay for the damages, If you do not want a Section 8 tenant make the lease 364 days. The boyfriend lived there most of the time too. In some counties in the communist state of Maryland you must take Section 8.

[@Handle4570]

People who get stuff for free don't care

[@dianegreen1937]

I WAS a Section 8 tenant and didn't get anything for FREE. The rent I PAID was based upon 30% of my employment income! I'm a landlord now! 30% rate is too high!

[@ryanroberts1104]

@@dianegreen1937 So you "didn't get anything free", except they paid most of the rent? I'm pretty sure that isn't how english works.

[@dianegreen1937]

@ryanroberts1104 Dummy, no, they didn't pay most of the rent! You don't know me or how much I made or paid so shut up!

[@jennifer3551]

S8 should ONLY be for the truly disabled and low income seniors

[@ashrpblond]

so if you are a disabled say 30 year old then you shouldn't have help with housing

[@sunshinetogo4221]

A lot of good points made about the rental assistance programs. A quick, initial inspection would not be much of a deterrent to most landlords, but yearly inspections and unrealistic expectations on the quality of housing really is a turnoff. If tenants cannot clean or if they add extra people to the unit or if they are destructive, they need to be taken off the program and evicted…not coddled and blame the housing market. If anyone should get yearly inspections, it is the tenant. Handouts without responsibility is a waste of money and effort.

[@gregorychalmers2466]

Stick that voucher where the sun don’t shine

[@AWomansView2]

Section 8 may not be good for the neighborhood either. I've seen Section 8 tenants dropped into a neighborhood of homeowners and guess which house had trash and NO lawn maintenance. Exactly!

[@jimmyday9536]

Section 8 simply spreads poverty and social dysfunction into neighborhoods that don't want it.

[@mwatercress]

Talked to a property manager who had a property fail for a squeak in the floor but not a structural or safety issue. The property manager informed the inspector that they would not be taking out the floor covering to repair it for them. She rented it immediately to a normal tenant without a problem. Later the inspector called her to say he would pass it as is but it was too late the new tenants had paid their deposit and moved in. While the inspection process is a problem, the damage done by the tenants that the owners have to pay for has been a deal breaker for many.

[@tservo1000]

Best response I have read on Section 8 inspections. I would see that failing a Section 8 Inspection as a blessing! Now one has an excellent excuse to give any Section 8 applicants, "Sorry I failed the Section 8 inspection and cannot rent to a Section 8 applicant till it passes."

[@mwatercress]

@@tservo1000 And honestly, if they think the Section 8 program is a reasonable deal for the landlords, the advocates should just build the housing for it and rent it for a reasonable profit.

[@YoPhocFays]

Regulations that delay me getting the unit rented, poor quality tenants and higher likelihood of the tenant not paying their portion of the rent..... no thank you. If you make us jump hoops, the rent has to be much higher than market rate for us to want to participate.

[@kennethhughley1611]

Section 8 wants to inspect the house however, they don't look at the tenant violations. One tenant had a table lamp on the bathroom sink rather than change the ceiling light bulb. Had food and clothes everywhere and called code enforcement to report roaches she bought and wouldn't let them in so they wouldn't see the environment she provided them. As soon as you file for eviction payments stop even though they haven't moved out.

[@vrijmatipersaud1256]

It's not worth taking any Section8 tenants... Too much problems. Let them go to the shelter. It's the best place where they can have a happy life!

[@ryanroberts1104]

Yep, they need to network with those people anyway so they can find the drug dealer near their new house!

[@ashrpblond]

your just another freaking idiot lets hope you never need any help

[@charlesphilhower1452]

The inspections are a problem because many of the inspectors don't know what they are looking at and they are concentrating on petty cosmetics that are expensive to repair, while being oblivious to real issues. Too many of these inspectors are confusing these properties with high-end rentals, and forgetting it is low-end with destructive tenants. The standard should be decent sanitary units with no violations.

[@jimmyday9536]

When we advertise a vacancy, we always get questions about Section 8. Yes, we do accept it, but have never EVER had a tenant qualify in that they need to show monthly income at least 3x the rent. This is actually HUD guidelines. So, if a house rents for, say, $1500/month, and Section 8 pays the entire rent, they still need to show income of AT LEAST $3000/month, as well as have the required deposit, which is our state-approved (MD) 2x rent.

[@ryanroberts1104]

I do the same. 3x rent or get lost. It's funny how many people initially contact me, and I ask for proof, and then never hear from them again! I think it is wrong to sign up a lower income person for a lease they could never pay anyway...

[@williamjohnson5877]

Last time I graduated grade school 3 X $1500 was $4500. I am starting to lose any respect for this site. Seems like comments and responses are staged, by an amateur

[@ryanroberts1104]

@@williamjohnson5877 It's clearly a typo, this is not a college course, nobody proofreads anything. It's3k vs 3x who cares! You get the point. You are very clearly the "amateur", from this post and others. You have no idea what you are talking about. You are not a landlord.

[@ryanroberts1104]

@@williamjohnson5877 BTW - how many times did you have to graduate grade school? My guess is 3-4 minimum.

[@mapleaf6672]

I also require a GOOD AUTHENTIC PREVIOUS LL reference. Not one S8 applicant had this after many, many years of renting. And a credit score over 600. They tend to move frequently as they are running away from themselves.

[@vintageradio58]

Do not get involved with government

[@ryanroberts1104]

I find the idea of needing to have my rental "inspected" to be beyond hilarious. Yes, I inspect after every tenant. No, I am not going to allow government inspection with unreasonable expectations just so that I can have a worthless section 8 tenant! I honestly have little idea how the program actually works, but I do know I can successfully ask a higher price than they will ever pay.

[@lw3269]

Section 8 inspectors are the worst. Bought a place with a section 8 tenant. Seller never disclosed that little piece of information. Would never have purchased a place with Section 8 tenants. The inspector cited an outlet behind the dining room table as non functional. There was no outlet behind the table. Never was. Will never again deal with Section 8.I ask that question first, now.

[@kennethhughley1611]

It's against the law and the owner can get sued.

[@mapleaf6672]

The inspectors eventually become the Housing Authority director. Ask me how I know.

[@stevevogel2264]

I don't want to go to jail when I discover a tenant has a side income or a boyfriend not known to section 8

[@justmealways3884]

No Land lord should be forced by the government to rent to Section 8 recipients Land lords should have the freedom to do what ever they want with their property within the guide lines of Civil Rights protecttions , HOA , City and County guidelines My question is, What's the difference between Section 8 government assistance and landlords being paid by the government to house migrants who came illegally in the last three years. Some of these migrants are no better than those on Section eight. Why take the chance

[@TL-wy1nk]

100% agree. If they are illegal, I would not rent to them. If the government is providing housing to illegal immigrants, then they should stop. I think they should all be deported. No free anything to illegal immigrants. They don't deserve tax payer dollars.

[@mapleaf6672]

@@TL-wy1nk Doncha know these are future current regime voters? That's why they're being imported . To do the work (voting) that Americans refuse to do.

[@acr4715]

Good luck evicting them in the state of NJ.

[@DeplorablesGarbage]

Same in Minnesota

[@angrycannibal6625]

I’ve made unnecessary repairs required by section 8.

[@dianegreen1937]

Like what?

[@cn8pm]

I tried to do a program like section 8 and the person who was responsible for the tenant changed with no update, and the new person was ignoring me. I ended up passing because it was way too hard for what it was.

[@survivingthetimes]

People see the rental before signing the lease, then want to complain about stuff down the road. I wouldn't participate in Section 8 for nothing. Never get involved with the government.

[@ryanroberts1104]

Just had someone like that- absolutely loved the house while we were signing the lease. First rent was due in 2 days. I get a text message "why I gotta pay so much?" And he then went on to trash talk the entire house as if a 1980s rental should be like a brand new luxury home. We went back and fourth for like 3 messages, and then I said you either take it like that, or you get out right now and I keep your deposit. (and of course the lease clearly says you get it in the condition it is in right now, even if was full of trash) Interestingly, nothing has changed on the house, but it's a wonderful house now!

[@justjen12345]

One home is not up to code bc a fellow messed home up so bad! It sits. I always keep things safe... Especially electric! If repair is needed, I do it ASAP! Hurts when thieves mess up everything... Druggies love to play with electricity. Even steal my electricity and cops do nothing.

[@mapleaf6672]

Another issue is if you advertise a unit to the general public, you should be able to get EXTRA monthly rent if you choose to go through the hassles of S8. But most likely they will say that is "discriminatory."

[@ashrpblond]

it is

[@williamjohnson5877]

During COVID crisis, my payments for section 8 tenants were uninterrupted. I still have a non section 8 tenant who owes me thousands of dollars from not paying rent during the COVID pandemic.

[@ryanroberts1104]

During covid, payments for my quality working tenants were uninterrupted. If they didn't, they would have simply been removed as a non renewal of lease, not eviction. Nobody owes me money.

[@williamjohnson5877]

I don’t recall it being that easy to remove tenants during COVID. I recall this guy sharing video after video how the landlords were getting so unfairly screwed by how they were treated during COVID, but it was everyone else other than section 8 that were screwing landlords. If your tenants were section 8, you were getting paid.

[@ryanroberts1104]

@@williamjohnson5877 It was, you're just bad at real estate. It wasn't a question, and you do not have tenants. I have no problem collecting rent, even during covid. It's not them, it's you that has a problem.

[@DeplorablesGarbage]

@@ryanroberts1104all our tenants paid faithfully and on time during Covid and only one tenant has turned over since then.

[@alexjones7845]

I already agree just from the video title. I occasionally will rent to a section 8 tenant if the numbers make sense and we screen the individual person well. But, the Sec8 inspectors just take forever and when they do finally show up they often will criticize something as if to justify their job. These are properties that also rent to tenants on the open market so repairs are regularly made as appropriate so there's nothing major for the inspectors to even find if we consider Sec8. Easily can take up to 2 months between the first inspection and then the followup to confirm the repairs Then you have to wait several months until Sec8 actually pays the rent. So, this only ever makes sense if you've met and can determine you have a good easy to deal with Sec8 tenant and if you'll collect greater than market rent for that property if rented on open market. Otherwise, not worth the hassle. This is one reason why it is critical for accepting Sec8 tenants to remain optional. At least then there's just a little bit of pressure for the Sec8 Housing authority people to compete for landlords business. If not, the quality of the Housing Authority in their dealings with landlords in that area will deteriorate even further.

[@JeffC-fq1be]

Sorry, but when an apartment is turned over there shouldn't be any need for thousands of dollars in needed repairs. It should be in pristine condition - Section 8 or not.

[@MrBiggz-do6ej]

It has to pass the initial inspection for the tenant to even move in so the problem comes when a new inspector comes in & wants new stuff without warrant or the current tenant is wrecking the property without paying for damages & now the landlord has to pay for their bad behavior

[@JeffC-fq1be]

@@MrBiggz-do6ej As I said, at turnover the unit should be in pristine condition.

[@wilfredmotosue2615]

Almost all of my tenants are Section 8 but I don't have any problems fixing the things in the unit. Usually not much to fix cause the inspection is done yearly. Most if not all of the things need fixing is for health and safety so I want to fix them so that tenants are not injured.

[@ryanroberts1104]

Most people fix their units, that's how you make money. Section 8 is definitely not how you make the most money with the best tenants, not a chance. You are literally asking for a tenant who has PROVEN he/she has no financial skills or job worth mentioning. Even if their rent was paid up front for a year, they would still be trash.

[@jennifer3551]

Let's be real, why rent to a s8 tenant when there are plenty of non s8 ones available. I would rather rent to hard working individuals who pay their own bills!

[@ryanroberts1104]

Yep, I always say tenants are disposable. I'm out in the middle of nowhere and there is still a nearly endless line of people interested in my houses...

[@ashrpblond]

you do realize section 8 people still have to work in order to be on it right

[@ryanroberts1104]

​@@ashrpblond LOL..."work". Many don't work because they have to take care of children they should not have. Any job they do have is minimum wage and it will be different next week. Section 8 people let me and everybody else pay their bills, and then I have to pay my own bills too! These kind of people do everything they possibly can to avoid work or paying for things. If you actually have a job, and can't afford an apartment, you must have a serious drug or gambling problem.

[@ryanroberts1104]

@@ashrpblond LOL..."work". Their rent bill is paid by somebody else. These are typically the kind of people who are allergic to work. Many of them are mothers who mostly had the kid by accident and because they get more benefits that way. And a lot of those moms do not work.

[@rosaliethomson805]

My former tenants stole the windows out of a room. Cost me $2500.00 to put the min. Guy that put them in couldn't remember or I would have prosecuted them. Now that takes balls.

[@leocal7659]

Been down that road. The inspections are depending on how they felt that morning. I have two tenants that are on Section 8. The inspections weren't as bad for me but they did add some extra repairs.

[@ellenpeterson9999]

Section 8 is a variety of voucher and other subsidized programs and I’ve had one good in and one bad. Tenants are a mixed bag - key is to get people invested in the property “culture” who either aspire to their own property one day, are bonafide, decent neighbors .. low-income means lots of things and the programs can be static, nit-picky and onerous just like Tony describes.

[@ThiaBain]

Hi, I really hope you see this question! I spent 20 yrs as a property manager. About 6 yrs ago I retired due to health issues and bought a home in a small town. I just recently found out that an old, empty elementary school located 1 1/5 blocks from my home is being turned into section 8 apts. I want to sell my house and move before this project is completed. My husband and a few of my neighbors think I am over-reacting. I would really like your opinion and insight.

[@RealEstateAndLandlordNews]

I definitely understand why you are nervous as no one wants to live near a low income apartment complex. My biggest worry being in a small town would be additional traffic and noise, but also trash, crime, and decreased privacy. Ultimately the decision is yours but I will say that I personally wouldn't like it.

[@ThiaBain]

@@RealEstateAndLandlordNews Thank you for the quick response! Yes, my biggest concern is an up-tick in crime. Like many small, rural towns we already have a meth issue here. Although, I am not against all low income programs (especially for the elderly and disabled) I see the section 8 program differently. In my opinion, it promotes complacency in poverty and builds ghettos. There is no incentive to do better. Once again, thank you for taking the time to respond to me.

[@sabrinasmith6589]

Tony, first let me say that I truely enjoy and look forward to your videos. That being said, you could not be more correct with your commentary. There are people in this world that you simply cannot contend with. I loved your remark about how you couldn't get rid of the section 8 tenants, so you just sold the building. Thank you for being you.

[@Joe-dw1dy]

This is a state and locality specific situation. Some states the safest thing to do is section 8. I don’t invest in those areas, I will go to a free market and business friendly localities.

[@brucewillers6528]

All the inspection people want a kickback

[@tommykrynock]

It's a government wants to pay for the rent of people then they need to do it for everyone not just a select few either give it to everyone or cancel the whole program all together

[@cmotherofpirl]

If you can ‘t meet basic standards you shouldn’t be a landlord.

[@mwatercress]

Like NYCHA?

[@jonathanjones3126]

NYCHA is one of the worst landlords in new york city, decades of deferred maintenance last number I heard they need to just grt their units up to code is 90 billion

[@justjen12345]

Agreed, just not trusting of pretty much anyone anymore

[@mwatercress]

@@jonathanjones3126 It is a mess. Construction costs increase at twice the CPI inflation rate and the private sector landlords often have rent increase capped at a fraction of their actual increased costs.

[@dianegreen1937]

Exactly 💯!

[@GovernmenMagnitude]

Without inspection, danger and exploitation by landlords will be out of control. I know how evil these landlords are abusing the system.

[@TL-wy1nk]

99.9% apartments are seen by the tenants before they rent them. If the apartment is not up to your standards then don't rent them. Most landlords are trying to provide a service. If he seems evil then just take a pass. No one believes that most landlords are evil. Most scum tenants have a problem with landlords because they are planning on not paying rent or scamming in some way. I never had any trouble with landlords. I honored the contract. If you don't like contracts then how will you ever own a home? It is a contract with the bank to pay your mortgage.

[@GovernmenMagnitude]

@@TL-wy1nk Not really. The problem is after and before. I used to work on behalf of tenants. Without regulation, a mule will be out of control. It needs leashes.

[@jimmyday9536]

If these inspections were actually about safety, ALL rentals, as well as owner-occupied properties, would require "inspection."

[@mwatercress]

@@GovernmenMagnitude If that is your view of landlords, why don't you carry your own burden? Or step in and show them how it is done with your own money. I think NYCHA could use your help.

[@ryanroberts1104]

Said like a person that could never buy their own home if their life depended on it. Where would you live if it wasn't for all these evil landlords letting you into their homes? Under a bridge? We both know you aren't buying a house! Also, because you've never been a landlord, you don't have the slightest idea what you are talking about. You've never been a landlord for a reason, and that is not because you are good at anything. It's obvious by your animosity that you have had "landlord issues" in the past. It's not them, it is you that is the problem.