RoxanneTo complete the final step of the process, which includes convincing a landlord to accept your voucher, do the following.
Are you fed up with paying over half of your income in rent each month? If so, you are not alone, as many low-income households have that same issue, and it’s only getting worse. With rent costs and real estate spiraling out of control, many are wondering how they’ll keep a roof over their families’ heads. One way to achieve that goal is through a Section 8 voucher.
A Section 8 voucher covers a significant part of your monthly rent. With it, you will only have to pay 30 percent of your income to a landlord each month instead of half or more. This can give you that necessary roof over your family’s head without breaking the bank. And it can allow you to start saving for other purposes, so you don’t feel financially stressed.
The typical Section 8 process involves the following:
- Contact your Public Housing Agency (PHA) to see if you could qualify for the Section 8 program.
- Apply for a Section 8 housing voucher.
- Get approved for the voucher.
- Sit on a waitlist.
- Once your wait is over, get your voucher.
- Use your voucher to move into an affordable single-family home, townhome, apartment, etc.
Today, we will focus on step 6, which involves convincing a landlord to accept your Section 8 voucher. While some will gladly do so, others may be hesitant.
How To Ace Your Section 8 Landlord Interviews
Chances are, you will need to set several appointments with various landlords until you get one who approves you as a tenant. These tips should improve your chances of approval by letting a landlord know that you are a solid tenant worth trusting.
Get Tenant Training
Think of your landlord appointments as job interviews. You are there to make a good impression and present a “resume” of how you have been as a tenant in the past and could be in the future. One of the best things you can put on your tenant resume, besides paying the rent on time and not having any evictions, is tenant training.
Google “community action program” in your area to find an agency that may offer free classes for tenants. The classes will teach you about renting, finances, etc., so you don’t run into issues in the future. And by simply taking the classes, you will show the landlord that you are serious about renting.
Address Prior Issues
Before you make any appointments with landlords, address any issues that may hinder you. For instance, if you’ve had drug or alcohol problems, have you joined any treatment programs? If not, you may want to do so for your health and to show the landlord that you are on the path toward recovery.
What about finances? If you are unemployed, are you looking for work? Keep records of applications, job interviews, etc., that you can show the landlord. And in terms of credit, get your free annual credit report to spot any errors, know where you stand, and be prepared to explain any missed payments or other issues.
Be Polite And Professional
Again, you want to treat your landlord appointments like job interviews. As such, be polite on the phone when setting appointments, avoid talking about problems, make sure you are not interrupted by screaming kids, etc.
Dress for your appointments as if you are trying to get a job. Be professional and show up early. While viewing properties, have a list of questions ready that you can ask that show genuine interest in becoming a trustworthy and present tenant.
Follow Up
If you are interested in a property, ask as many questions as you can. Ask about the screening process and when you can move in. And most importantly, act like you will be moving in by asking about your chances of approval. If you don’t get a response, the landlord probably is not interested, and you should move on to other properties.
