You are probably asking yourself, how is that going to work? And why would the local Health Department take an interest in deadbeat tenants? Why would they want to help me? But also do they have the right to intervene?

The simple answer begins with utilities. Many communities, cities and counties across the nation have rules and regulations, simply put, laws for health codes and regulations. One of which is that it is illegal for residents to live without light, water, sewer or septic turned on and working. This also may become an issue of minor endangerment if children are in the home. The local Health Department has the power to remove people from properties violating this regulation.

Ironically enough, I never really stopped to think about this option as a landlord and how this might work to my advantage when it comes to delinquent tenants. In my time, I have seen it all, heard every excuse and as a result, I feel I can put these experiences to good use and share my advice.

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This most recent incarnation of Section 8 is specifically aimed at a group of our society that has een neglected in the past, carrying on in the spirit of subsidizing housing costs for families with low economic resources that are currently unable to purchase homes.

As for the basic details of the program, a large portion of the fund, 75%, will go to those most in need of affordable housing: those whose incomes are 30% or lower than the state median income level or 30% below the national poverty line.

There is more reason to celebrate for those that champion these efforts. The housing coalition has stated that 90% of the fund will be dedicated to create, preserve, rehabilitate, and operate existing housing units currently in rental market. Furthermore, the remaining 10% will be allocated for first-time home purchases. Such assistance will go towards down payments and closing costs.

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Section 8, also called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a Federal housing program which provides housing assistance to low-income renters and homeowners. This assistance comes in the form of the city pays the rent, and the federal government reimburses the city for that rent money.

If you are considering renting to Section 8 tenants, you first need to understand how the program works. There may be more in the process and more paperwork, but once you understand the process, there are usually few problems. 

Most Section 8 renters are single mothers with children or grandmothers with grandchildren. These renters receive vouchers for housing costs, usually until the children are grown. However, the tenant's income will affect how much of the rent is paid by the government. Having a low-income tenant can actually be a bonus, since the government will pay most of the rent, and the government always pays on time.

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