What's the process to become a Section 8 landlord in NJ?
October 10, 2024 5:04 AM
I've googled and googled and still have several questions.
Based on googling, it looks like you have to call your local housing authority to get started. Over the last week I've left multiple voicemails to the county (Hudson county) and city housing associations. No one picks up and no one's calling me back.
Also, I just want to clarify a few things before even applying:
1) Can I rent 1 or 2 rooms in a 3-bedroom unit or does it need to be the full unit?
2) Is it easy to "undo" the property as section 8 once a lease is up, or is it also a long beurocratic process?
3) How long does it take to get approved in the first place and get the inspection done and everything?
Anything else to know about the process?
Based on googling, it looks like you have to call your local housing authority to get started. Over the last week I've left multiple voicemails to the county (Hudson county) and city housing associations. No one picks up and no one's calling me back.
Also, I just want to clarify a few things before even applying:
1) Can I rent 1 or 2 rooms in a 3-bedroom unit or does it need to be the full unit?
2) Is it easy to "undo" the property as section 8 once a lease is up, or is it also a long beurocratic process?
3) How long does it take to get approved in the first place and get the inspection done and everything?
Anything else to know about the process?
PS, if you want to MeMail me with other questions, that's fine.
posted by NotLost at 5:43 AM on October 10
posted by NotLost at 5:43 AM on October 10
We're not in NJ but we have Section 8 tenants and agree with NotLost: must be a whole unit, and it's per lease.
Undoing the lease depends on local ordinances; where we are until recently Section 8 tenants could be given a month's notice but last month a new ordinance came in giving the same long-term protections that other tenancies have: now we can only give notice for cause, either egregious lease violations or requiring the unit for ourselves and close family.
We have one good Sec 8 tenant who's been with us for several years and it works well for us. We had one additional Sec 8 tenant who we did not keep on; their original lease with us was for six months only, which didn't give right to remain, and we did not renew the lease because they were a problem.
posted by anadem at 10:04 AM on October 10
Undoing the lease depends on local ordinances; where we are until recently Section 8 tenants could be given a month's notice but last month a new ordinance came in giving the same long-term protections that other tenancies have: now we can only give notice for cause, either egregious lease violations or requiring the unit for ourselves and close family.
We have one good Sec 8 tenant who's been with us for several years and it works well for us. We had one additional Sec 8 tenant who we did not keep on; their original lease with us was for six months only, which didn't give right to remain, and we did not renew the lease because they were a problem.
posted by anadem at 10:04 AM on October 10
If you focus on getting a good tenant and not just charging as much as possible, you could also end up with a tenant that's happy to be consistent, long term, and stable.
While some bad apples exist that give the program a bad rap (just like happens to literally everything), it also allows some people the breathing space to focus on raising their kids and not just seeking the almighty dollar.
You weren't clear on exactly which program you're seeking info about; I suspect it's House Choice Vouchers of some sort. Perhaps start here? Office of Housing Choice Vouchers
And keep in mind, that for every negative story you hear, there are dozens or hundreds of families simply living their lives and appreciating the safety net... and tolerating income-related bias in an era where every other -ism is unacceptable.
I/my family have had Section 8 for 23 years. We're giving it up this month - a thought which still terrifies me - because my KIDS were able to buy a house thanks to another fantastic program, Habitat for Humanity.
I would not have been able to raise the sort of kids who were able to buy a home at 22 and 24, if it were not for the stability that section 8 gave us, even through divorce, job loss, and medical issues.
posted by stormyteal at 6:31 PM on October 10
While some bad apples exist that give the program a bad rap (just like happens to literally everything), it also allows some people the breathing space to focus on raising their kids and not just seeking the almighty dollar.
You weren't clear on exactly which program you're seeking info about; I suspect it's House Choice Vouchers of some sort. Perhaps start here? Office of Housing Choice Vouchers
And keep in mind, that for every negative story you hear, there are dozens or hundreds of families simply living their lives and appreciating the safety net... and tolerating income-related bias in an era where every other -ism is unacceptable.
I/my family have had Section 8 for 23 years. We're giving it up this month - a thought which still terrifies me - because my KIDS were able to buy a house thanks to another fantastic program, Habitat for Humanity.
I would not have been able to raise the sort of kids who were able to buy a home at 22 and 24, if it were not for the stability that section 8 gave us, even through divorce, job loss, and medical issues.
posted by stormyteal at 6:31 PM on October 10
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1. I strongly doubt it.
2. At least where I am, and I expect everywhere, the Section 8 status is per lease.
3. Can't help you with that. It depends on the local backlog, etc.
I do commend you for pursuing this. Many landlords discriminate against voucher holders.
Also, FYI, at least where I am, the individual prospective tenant would need to approach you to start the substantive part of the process, although the housing authority might put you on a list of landlords they steer voucher holders to.
posted by NotLost at 5:40 AM on October 10