As a fairly new property manager in training (of a subsidized property with 3 different programs of subsidy), I will share my understanding of Section 8 vouchers, and please, someone correct me if I'm wrong but;
'Status with reference to receiving public assistance' is one of the protected classes of fair housing laws. I believe that all landlords are required to accept a renter with a voucher if all the following conditions are met: 1) the voucher covers the cost of that landlords scheduled rent 2) all applicants meet the consistent and enforced screening criteria set forth by the landlord for ALL applicants 3) the applicants have completed all and any other conditions set forth by HUD, MHFA, the local housing authority, as well as the landlord/manager. It would be discrimination to deny a voucher holder who meets all conditions, and believe me, there are a million tenant advocates who would love to explain this to you. IMHO, I believe that the reason you might see more voucher holders renting at an older property is that the properties rent is in the range of the voucher amount. The newer, more luxurious communities may have rents that exceed the amount of vouchers, and this may or may not be 'planned' by the management. Also, in regards to amount of service calls, I feel that the gentleman who speculated that Sec 8 renters increase the amount of service calls is mistaken. There could be many factors, each and every building has a very unique personality, poor maitenance history, 'quick-fixes' and band-aids, different mechanical equipment could all contribute to increased requirements of service. I will say that I feel that Sec 8 renters DO HAVE a broader knowledge of their rights and have no qualms about asking for attention. (Squeaky wheel gets the grease) Renting to Sec 8 voucher holders is very 'secure' if it is approached and handled properly. It is guaranteed payment, and it can be a good negogiating tool for the manager, i.e. if there is a problem with the tenants conduct, the thought of eviction is more scary to the renter because it could mean loss of all Sec 8 privleges forever. With proper screening done on all renters prior to acceptance, a community can be a healthy, pleasant one with market and assisted renters. To the landlord who raised the rent because the tenant wasn't paying their 30%, why did he not take action against a deliquent renter as he would with a market rate renter? That just seems like poor management to me. (Take more from the tax payers pocket because he was too lazy to take proper actions?) - Megan Goodmundson Shelter Corporation sheltercorp.com __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
