Someone called yesterday checking on a vacant. I give the normal speech, beds, baths, rents, etc. After that:

"Do you take Section 8?"

"No, I apologize, but I don't."

"Ok. Well, how much is rent again?"

"$xxxx"

"Ok. Well, have you heard of Section 8? Do you know..."

I cut them off and say, "I'm sorry, there's not an option for Section 8 at this place."

click......

Pretty sure I dodged one there.....

We have only had one Section 8 tenant. It was one that had been a tenant for a couple of years, and had struggled to pay the rent, and they applied for Section 8. Once they got on Section 8, the money flowed like clockwork because the money comes from Section 8, although then tenant may be required to pay a portion of it. Also, they started taking better care of the place. We often had to remind them to not drop cigarette butts on the ground, and to keep the outside tidy. Once they went on Section 8, these things resolved and we did not have to get on them after that.

Doogie, I have cut the words "I'm sorry!" or "I apologize...(about a property, anyway) from my vocabulary.

I have to think hard about this sometimes, but I'm sticking to my guns. I made it a goal for 2017 and so far I'm reaching it.

Instead I say, "Thank you..."

"Thank you for your interest, but..."

"...we are not signed up with that program."

"..your income as stated does not meet our minimum qualifications."

"...your admitted prior eviction disqualifies you for this property."

"...we do not accept non-neutered/non-spayed animals."

I've been down the section 8 road a few times. Won't consider driving it again. The last time an inspection occurred, I had the place just fine and to where I would be ok moving in. They came out and inspected and wouldn't even tell me what to fix. Their comment was, it's ok, it typically takes 4 to 6 inspections before a place will pass. Excuse me? And to go through that every year with an inspector that's on a power trip for under market rent (in this area)? Pass...

Good responses, WMH.

I'm a little more cautious (paranoid?). I use a variation on the 1st one..."We have done Section 8 in the past (true) but this unit is not approved. (also true)"

If they press me, I welcome them to take a look ("everyone is encouraged to apply!") but I won't hold a vacancy past 2 weeks, same as I treat an open market tenant. The applicant must agree to pay full rent without receiving possession until I get the first payment from Sec 8, and if they and/or the unit doesn't pass the application/inspection...no refunds.

SID, I've literally had about 3 inquiries in 13 years for any kind of housing voucher program. Maybe a few more but well less than 1 a year. So that's not one I have muddle through very often.

I wouldn't touch sect 8 with a pole, BUT I use the HUD sect 8 inspection checklist as my turnover sheet.

Doogie,

Well played!

LLs are sued by Fair Housing for what they SAY, so the less you say the better. I always wonder if it's a tester calling when things are a little wacky.

Some state and city discrimination laws include SOURCE OF INCOME to protect Sec8 people so gotta be politically correct.

No need to lie. We have some on Sec8 so I cannot say we don't accept it.

We say "Everyone is welcome to submit an application. This home does not qualify for Sec8."