Do Landlords Place Stigmas on Section 8 Renters?

Anyone can have an opinion based on a not so pleasant experience with renters. Having someone to move into your property who has signed a lease binds an owner and renter into a legal agreement with a set time.  That can be great or really a thorn in the side.  It's probably unfair to assign and label certain renters as 'bad' choices because of a Section 8 voucher.  Maybe even discriminatory in many cases. This is a glass is half empty, half-full scenario.  The issues that some landlords might believe to be stumbling blocks when it comes to dealing with Section 8 tenants are not too far from the same issues that a well-qualified tenant that is not a Section 8 recipient. Qualifying and being deemed acceptable as a 'good' renter on paper (background check, credit score, income, good rental history) does not disqualify a tenant from becoming destructive to property, late with the rent, or uncooperative and difficult. It's no different from racism or sexism as we often assign our opinions and perspectives based on what we choose to believe from limited experiences or conditioning that has been trickled down from others and some media influences. 

It can be said also that some landlords don't understand or are unfamiliar with the process of how Section 8 vouchers work. Don't leave those options out.  A voucher is valid as payment and rental income in your pocket.

Needing assistance is not a weakness. Perhaps we feel weak or prideful in circumstances that we would rather not find ourselves in.  Asking for help can be hard. The stigma associated with public housing, assistance in housing, food assistance programs as well as childcare are all areas that can sometimes create shame.  These programs aren't meant to be handouts but a hand to lift up. People who need assistance temporarily or even long-term may very well be abusing the system to qualify for social programs but then again, maybe not.  A neat, clean and orderly person will be... a neat, clean and orderly person.  Judging a book by its cover, a landlord might miss out on a great tenant who regularly pays on time and keeps the property clean, keeping up the lawn and staying for many years who happens to have a good Section 8 voucher. I'm here to assist any renter who is looking for a place to make their home with their family no matter if their income is from a housing voucher or from funds that they can provide that a landlord is accepting as good and legal payment.  The rental application can be detailed and outline specifics that a landlord as well as the tenant both expect in the rental relationship.  Check out these links that speak to the risks that some might associate with Section 8 and also the advantages.  What stigmas do you think you might have on housing assistance and other social programs designed to lend help to those who need it.  Keep in mind, just because someone is wearing name brand clothes or shoes or even living in someplace that you would not think that they are in need or have difficulties managing their finances and life.  Section 8 vouchers are accepted in many places.  Name-brand clothing and shoes can be found in thrift stores or could be loaned or given to them. If we find ourselves in constant cycles of need that last much longer than we'd planned or we don't know how to maneuver ourselves out of low spaces, that is a whole other issue that is cause for pause and reflection.  As well, when those in states of need do properly and legally qualify for these social programs it does seem unfair to label and lump them into categories that don't apply to their situation or circumstance and only exist in our own heads and hearts.  This is an opinion piece and the Houston Association of Realtors® or any other entity that I am connected with may not reflect the same views <<-- disclaimer :)

Happy holidays.

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/section-8-tenant-rentals-2124973

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/renting-to-section-8-tenants-disadvantages-2124975