Section 8 Guide for Landlords and Investors
If you own a house, condo, or apartment and want to rent it out, you might wonder about Section 8. This program helps families who need help paying rent, and it can help landlords too.
What is Section 8?
Section 8, also called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is run by the government. It helps families pay for rent in the private market.
Here’s how it works:
- The tenant pays part of the rent.
- The government (through the local housing authority) pays the rest directly to you, the landlord.
- You get two payments: one from the tenant, one from the housing authority.
Example: If the rent is $1,500 a month, maybe the family pays $500 and the housing authority pays $1,000.
How Does a Landlord Sign Up?
✅ First, your rental must be in good condition. It has to pass a HQS inspection (Housing Quality Standards). That means it must be safe, clean, and have no big problems.
✅ Contact your local housing authority to say you want to join the program. For example:
- In Palm Beach County: www.pbchafl.org | 📞 (561) 684-2160
- In Fort Lauderdale: www.hacfl.com | 📞 (954) 556-4100
- In Broward County: www.bchafl.org | 📞 (954) 739-1114
✅ Fill out the forms they give you.
✅ Sign an agreement called a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract.
✅ Rent your place to a family who has a Section 8 voucher.
What Are the Good Parts?
Here are some reasons landlords like renting to Section 8 tenants:
✅ Steady Payments: Even if the tenant loses their job, the housing authority still pays its share. You get paid every month.
✅ Big Pool of Renters: Lots of families need housing. You may have less vacancy time.
✅ Long-Term Tenants: Many families stay longer because the rent is affordable for them.
✅ Community Support: You help people who need safe homes. Some landlords like doing good for the community.
✅ Rent Increases: You can still request a rent increase each year (if allowed). It must be approved by the housing authority.
What Are the Challenges?
Here are things to think about before you decide:
⚠️ Inspections: Your unit must pass an HQS inspection every year. If something is broken, you must fix it quickly.
⚠️ Paperwork: There’s more paperwork than renting privately. You must fill out RFTA forms, HAP contracts, and rent change requests.
⚠️ Approval Needed: If you want to raise the rent, you can’t just do it on your own. You need the housing authority’s approval.
⚠️ Damage Risk: Some landlords worry about damage. Section 8 does not pay for tenant damage. You must handle it through your lease and security deposit, like any tenant.
⚠️ Delays: Sometimes inspections or paperwork can slow down move-ins.
Tips for Landlords and Investors
✅ Screen Tenants Carefully: You must still check their rental history, references, and behavior. Section 8 does not do this for you.
✅ Keep Good Records: Save your inspection reports, contracts, rent ledgers, and notices.
✅ Understand HQS Rules: Learn what the inspectors check. Keep smoke detectors working, plumbing leak-free, and doors and windows secure.
✅ Communicate: Stay in touch with your local housing authority and your tenant. Good communication solves most problems early.
✅ Join Landlord Associations: Talk to other landlords who do Section 8. Learn what works and what doesn’t.
Resources for Landlords
Here are some helpful places to get more info:
📌 HUD’s Landlord Guide: www.hud.gov — Search for “Housing Choice Voucher Landlords.”
📌 Palm Beach County Housing Authority: www.pbchafl.org | (561) 684-2160
📌 Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority: www.hacfl.com | (954) 556-4100
📌 Broward County Housing Authority: www.bchafl.org | (954) 739-1114
📌 Local Realtor Groups: Many real estate investor associations have workshops on Section 8.
📌 Local Housing Fairs: Many cities have landlord fairs where you can talk to housing authority reps.
Is Section 8 Right for You?
Section 8 can be a great way to help families and fill your rentals, but it does take extra work and care. Some landlords love it. Some don’t.
Always look at your goals:
✅ Do you want steady rent payments?
✅ Are you okay with inspections and paperwork?
✅ Are you good at handling repairs fast?
If yes — Section 8 might be a good fit for your rental business!
Final Tip
Talk to your local housing authority before you start. Get clear answers about the rules in your city. Every area is a little different.
And remember: You’re the boss of your rental. Section 8 tenants are just like any other tenant — you pick who lives in your home, so choose wisely and stay professional.
