We have many readers interested in learning how they can improve their chances of securing their desired rental property and impressing landlords. To gain insights, we sought the expertise of Justin, who has managed rental properties across various states over the years, ranging from low-income neighborhoods to affluent regions like Southern California. Additionally, he has numerous landlord friends and family members who also own rental properties, giving him extensive knowledge about what landlords look for in tenants.

Make sure to read this entire interview for valuable tips and tricks that will help you leave a lasting impression on landlords!

Need to apply to Section 8? Read: How to Apply to Section 8

The Section 8 Landlord Interview

Thank you for joining us, Justin! Your insights will be immensely helpful for our readers.

Thanks for having me! I’m glad to assist. Anything I can do to facilitate a better connection between landlords and tenants benefits everyone involved!

Let’s dive right into it! Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers often carry a stigma. How do you view Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and renting to tenants who use them?

I’m completely on board with them. Any savvy landlord should be. They provide guaranteed rental income, and typically, tenants remain for a long duration. Section 8 has garnered a negative reputation among some landlords due to certain horror stories about property damage by tenants who don’t have a financial stake in their homes. However, there are equally as many problematic tenant tales involving those not using Section 8. Unfortunately, people tend to share their negative experiences more than their positive ones, and often, if there’s a pattern—like negative stories about voucher users—that becomes the prevailing narrative. However, many Section 8 tenants genuinely care for their homes; they appreciate having a comfortable living space and work hard to maintain it to avoid going through the arduous process of finding housing again.

The only minor frustration is the additional paperwork and annual inspections, but since I maintain my properties well, it’s really not an issue.

What are your main red flags when screening potential tenants?

This might sound amusing, but my top red flag is someone being excessively friendly. Of course, if someone is outright rude, they’re immediately out of consideration. But that’s rare, as most individuals understand they should be polite when seeking something. However, those who are overly enthusiastic about a unit often seem to be concealing something or hoping I’ll overlook an issue. Since my units are well-kept, I’m not offering the Taj Mahal; thus, when someone professes that it’s the best place ever or treats me as if I’m their favorite person, it raises my suspicions. I once had concerns about a woman who was too friendly, only to later discover she had lied about her income and would have effectively become a squatter.

Additionally, an applicant’s attire can be a significant red flag. I’m casual myself, wearing jeans and t-shirts daily, so I don’t expect people to dress formally when meeting me. However, if someone arrives in dirty, stained, torn, or inappropriate clothing—or even pajamas—that raises a major concern. If they lack the motivation to present themselves neatly to a landlord, they likely won’t care about maintaining my rental unit. I also try to sneak a glance inside their vehicle for similar reasons. A messy car filled with fast food wrappers and clutter often indicates they’d treat their living space in the same manner.

What are your biggest green flags that reassure you about a tenant?

Someone being honest with me is a significant positive. Everyone faces challenges, so just being straightforward allows for potential solutions, assuming it’s even an issue. I also appreciate when individuals inquire about multi-year leases. While I never commit to a multi-year lease until a tenant has successfully completed a year with me without issues, such inquiries suggest they’re planning to stay long-term and are considering their future—both of which are excellent traits in a tenant.

Lastly, and this might be a bit odd, tenants with allergies or asthma tend to be fantastic renters. For instance, I have a family in Texas with a son who has asthma, and they keep their home pristine due to his sensitivities. It’s a cleaner environment than even my own! As a landlord, finding a tenant who maintains a neat space is invaluable. This family has been with me for years, and I have no plans to raise their rent because they are exemplary tenants. While I can’t inquire about medical details, recently a potential tenant mentioned her preference for non-carpeted units due to allergens, which moved her to the top of my list since it indicated she would keep things clean.

Do you ever contact references or previous landlords of applicants?

I do a bit. Generally, landlords I know, including myself, refrain from calling friends or family references; it’s typically unhelpful since no one is going to provide a reference that isn’t positive. I also avoid calling the current landlord. If someone is a problematic tenant, their current landlord has an incentive to misinform and say they’re great just to have them gone. So, I prefer to reach out to the landlord they were with before moving to their current residence, who is usually more willing to give me an honest assessment.

Have you discovered any advantages to renting to Section 8 tenants?

Absolutely! My Section 8 tenants essentially kept me afloat during the pandemic. I had several renters stop paying rent because of the eviction moratorium, while my mortgage obligations continued. However, the Section 8 vouchers remained in effect, which was quite relieving.

Living in Southern California, I have friends with properties in Los Angeles dealing with tenants who haven’t paid rent for two years, with no recourse. The benefit of renting to Housing Choice Voucher recipients is that, since the government handles the rent payments, I never have to worry about that.

Any final advice for those searching for landlords that accept Section 8?

Yes, I’d recommend seeking out rental properties owned by individuals who manage their own places, rather than corporations or those utilizing property management companies. Building a personal relationship with a landlord allows for better understanding and flexibility regarding your circumstances. I genuinely care about my tenants and want them to stay as long as they like.

However, with corporations or property management companies, you’re often just a number on a spreadsheet. Those entities lack the freedom to make exceptions; they must follow strict regulations or face consequences from superiors. Large corporations have hundreds of properties, so losing a tenant and leaving a unit vacant isn’t a concern for them.

As a landlord, maintaining an unoccupied unit is quite significant, so I’ll go to great lengths, within reason, to ensure my tenants are pleased and choose to stay!

Additionally, I mandate that all my tenants secure rental insurance. Lack of this insurance raises a considerable red flag, as it leaves me liable for any damages that occur due to accidents. I don’t know any landlords who would consider renting to tenants without rental insurance.

Are you trying to locate a Section 8 landlord on your own? Read: How to Find a Section 8 Landlord

Navigating the Section 8 housing process can be daunting, and that’s where Section 8 Search comes into play. We’re more than just a listing site; we’re a dedicated resource designed to simplify finding housing through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Our platform provides user-friendly options to browse listings and check waiting list statuses nationwide, all based on official HUD data. We’re committed to delivering clear and useful information, enabling you with the insights needed to understand eligibility, complete your application, and navigate your housing experience with confidence.