If you qualify for Section 8 housing or housing choice vouchers, the best way to maximize your rental assistance would be to remember the following tips:
Keep your documents ready. All your legal papers should be in order – even if you think they won’t be needed for acquiring a rental unit or house. You never know what else might be needed or requested. This includes credit score reports, all possible legal identification and all correspondence pertaining to rental units or housing that you may be interested in.
That means if you’ve reached an agreement with the landlord for repairs to the plumbing, for example, then there should be a written copy of this agreement. It’s a good idea to keep an open line of communication between you and possible landlords.
Read all contracts carefully. Don’t rely on public housing agencies (PHAs) to cover your back all the time, read through the lease of your possible new home very carefully. Even better, go to a qualified free legal counsel or other similar people to have the lease checked out.
You should also make clear your rights to privacy and as mentioned before, the right to ask for repairs and maintenance of your unit (if it’s a rental).
Renter’s insurance is never a waste. Realistically, you should be covered for injuries that happened in your space, aside from theft and damage from natural disasters. However, there may be limited insurance packages that may suit your situation more.
Safety must always be an issue. Never take security and safety for granted. Even if the offered unit is cheap, if the neighborhood or even the unit itself seems unsafe or unsecure, don’t take it.
Sign up on the box at the right for more information on rental assistance and housing choice vouchers.
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