Why I Dislike Section 8 Tenants

by Ama
(Bronx, New York)

I am a first time Section 8 landlord and my experience with Section 8 rentals was not a good one. My Section 8 tenant was supposed to move into my three bedroom apartment with her 3 children and her husband (who was not in the Section 8 program).

Within 2 months of moving in, the number of occupants in the apartment became 9 instead of 5. I asked her to rectify the situation and I even sent a complaint to the Section 8 housing authorities but to no avail.

Unfortunately I needed the rent money to pay my mortgage so I put up with it. Now their lease is up and I asked her to move out but she refused. She can't get a transfer from Section 8 because she owe me three months of rent.

Now I have to spend money and time to take her to court in order to evict her. The frustrating thing is the law is always on their side and the judge will most likely give her up to 6 months extension (of the lease).

I have learned my lesson which is "no more Section 8 tenants for me." I wish the rest of you luck.