Okay, we were just told that one of our section 8 people felt their inspection. Yes, yes I know many of you don't deal with section 8,But in NY we cannot consider how they pay. and I know you usually say find something else to refuse them beside they want to come in with section 8.

But in this case it's an older woman who has been in that apartment for several years and then applied for section 8. I don't know what can be done with that, but my real beef is that the inspector found small stains on the dropped ceiling. This consists of those 2 x4 panels with vinyl on one side and fiberglass on the other. I saw the pictures of them and it's really so minimal. But they are easy to replace and cost little. So I told my maintenance man just to replace them.

But what really gets me is these little section 8 inspector generals, will try to find something I think to justify their position. I got a feeling if they don't find something on most apartments, that their jobs might be questioned. I know that is largely is variable by the different local section 8 agencies.

I would like to tell whatever manager for them that is the reason why landlords don't like to accept section 8, and they may put them through more vetting services before they accept them besides their source of income.

Yeah, that might vent my spleen, however I don't know if would get me into trouble with these social service people.

You are caught in a S8 trap.

If you don't fix, you don't get paid. If you do fix, you wait to get paid.

Causing them to find something,.it is a good idea,.I have used that on BOH inspections before a move in,.. , But how do you go in do that with a fussy tenant? I'm not sure a tenant would support that,I have a feeling some tenants would confess that the LL came in and did that. Esp if the tenant isn't fully greatful,..as you are "THE MAN' even if you are a woman,..and its OK to stick it to the man,

They seldom realize that it would also be good for them,..

'

I haven't dealt with S8 myself, but I know some people who do will leave a super-obvious thing for the inspector to correct them on. Like, removing an outlet cover or something random like that. The inspector feels happy they were able to point out something to fix, the ll is happy that they were able to essentially manipulate the situation, and the tenant is happy that their S8 checks are continuing like normal.

interesting, so what happens if you don't fix it to the tenant? Do they have to pay the full rent? Or do they have to move? What are the tools to make you play their game.

I had an elderly couple rent an apartment when they were young and with kids. The builder of my property, my partner, installed real parquet wood flooring. Thick and glued down to the concrete base. Around 20 units. When the elderly couple couldn't live within their means, they applied to Section 8.

I got the report back. This is what I was ordered to do:

Provide a new refrigerator with an automatic ice maker.

Refinish the parquet flooring.

Install new windows.

Re-stain the kitchen cabinets.

Most of my properties require a rental inspection every 4 years from the city.

If the property passes the city rental inspection, it will pass the section 8 inspection.

Except for my first city rental inspection, all my properties pass the inspection without a problem.

I do my own inspection before the official inspection and fix anything that can be written up.

When I do my pre-inspection, I explain to the tenants that if the house fails the inspection, the inspector can condemn the house and the tenant has to move immediately. I explain to the tenant that during the inspection, the inspector has more power than the judge. Or the tenant can loose their section 8 voucher if the house fails the inspection. Even non compliant tenants cooperate.

I also tell the tenants that the house needs to be clean and things need to be put away! And they do clean the house!

When I meet the city inspector or the section 8 inspector at the house to do their official inspection, I tell the inspector that I have already inspected the house and everything is good. After a 2 minute walkthrough with the inspector, we have a friendly discussion for 30 minutes and the house passes.

I hate the fact that I have to satisfy the ego of an inspector, but, I really like collecting rent money!

In the case of your stained ceiling tile, go ahead and replace the ceiling tile and continue getting the section 8 payments.

I've said this before, but it bears repeating: When you sign their contract, you agree to play by their rules.