Hey everyone, I’m trying to wrap my head around Section 8 and how it applies to landlords, especially in California. I know it has something to do with rental assistance and how landlords are supposed to treat tenants with vouchers fairly, but I’m still kinda lost. Can anyone break this down in simple terms?
Yeah, Section 8 is a rental assistance program. Basically, the government helps cover part of a tenant’s rent, and landlords can’t discriminate just because someone’s using it. Hope that helps a bit!
Avi said:
Yeah, Section 8 is a rental assistance program. Basically, the government helps cover part of a tenant’s rent, and landlords can’t discriminate just because someone’s using it. Hope that helps a bit!
Wait, so landlords can’t judge tenants based on their full rent amount? Only what the tenant pays out of pocket?
Avi said:
Yeah, Section 8 is a rental assistance program. Basically, the government helps cover part of a tenant’s rent, and landlords can’t discriminate just because someone’s using it. Hope that helps a bit!
Exactly! The landlord can only look at the portion the tenant is responsible for, not the whole rent.
Also, landlords have to give voucher holders the chance to show they can pay in other ways if their credit score isn’t great. Like, they can show pay stubs or proof of benefits instead.
Micah said:
Also, landlords have to give voucher holders the chance to show they can pay in other ways if their credit score isn’t great. Like, they can show pay stubs or proof of benefits instead.
Oh, that’s cool. So, if my credit isn’t the best, I could still use a voucher and prove I can pay another way?
Micah said:
Also, landlords have to give voucher holders the chance to show they can pay in other ways if their credit score isn’t great. Like, they can show pay stubs or proof of benefits instead.
Yep, totally. They have to consider it. Makes it a bit easier for people who don’t have perfect credit.
FYI, if a landlord doesn’t follow these rules, they can get into serious legal trouble. California’s laws are pretty strict about it.
Fraser said:
FYI, if a landlord doesn’t follow these rules, they can get into serious legal trouble. California’s laws are pretty strict about it.
Good to know. Are there any specific penalties they face?
Fraser said:
FYI, if a landlord doesn’t follow these rules, they can get into serious legal trouble. California’s laws are pretty strict about it.
Yeah, they can face fines and even lawsuits for discrimination. So it’s best for landlords to play by the rules.
Oh, and one more thing: landlords can’t reject someone for having a voucher unless they’ve genuinely considered their alternative payment evidence. Just so people know.
Shan said:
Oh, and one more thing: landlords can’t reject someone for having a voucher unless they’ve genuinely considered their alternative payment evidence. Just so people know.
That’s fair. Makes sense they should get a fair chance.
Shan said:
Oh, and one more thing: landlords can’t reject someone for having a voucher unless they’ve genuinely considered their alternative payment evidence. Just so people know.
Exactly, it’s all about fairness. Just trying to level the playing field for everyone.