Tips To Get Approved As A Section 8 Renter

If you’ve had issues with paying the rent on time, a Section 8 voucher could help. The voucher will pay a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, and you’ll be responsible for picking up the rest of the tab.

Is applying for a housing voucher the only thing you need to do? No, because once you get the voucher, you’ll still have to find a place to rent.

Unlike other housing assistance programs, Section 8 lets you pick your own housing amongst apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. To move into your new place, the landlord will have to accept you. Here are tips to gain approval from the landlord so that you can finally realize your dream of paying affordable rent.

Before we begin, click here to learn more about Section 8 so you can apply for a voucher. With that out of the way, let’s look at those tips:

1. Call your nearest Community Action Agency. They can prepare you for the Section 8 process with classes on renting, tenant training, and housing readiness. Once you take these classes, let any potential landlords know, as it’ll make you look like a responsible tenant worth renting to.

2. Complete any substance abuse treatment programs, if needed. You’ll want to show the landlord that you’ve put your problems in the past and will be a good tenant.

3. Get copies of your credit reports. You can get them for free each year. You’ll want to keep them handy so that you can respond to any questions about past credit issues.

4. Call the landlord to set an interview. Do this in a place that’s quiet without kids yelling or other distractions. Be polite when setting the interview, as first impressions are important. Also, don’t discuss any past problems over the phone. If you do, you could have marks against you before the interview even begins.

5. Be professional during the interview. Keep your kids at home if you know they’ll misbehave. Dress professionally and show up 15 minutes early.

6. Ask several questions about the property. Let the landlord know that you’re interested in the place, and the rules tenants are expected to follow.

7. If the property seems unsafe or has issues, or if the landlord seems rude or difficult to work with, don’t be afraid to move on. Red flags on the first meeting usually mean issues down the line that you’ll want to avoid.

8. If the property interests you after touring it, ask the landlord about the screening process. They should give you paperwork on what it entails. They may ask about your rental history.
Tell them the truth and how you’ve fixed any issues. Don’t blame past landlords, as it could be a red flag during the interview.

9. Ask the landlord what your chances of approval are. If they’re not as high as you’d like, ask what you can do to alleviate their concerns.