Philadelphia Section 8 Fraud Lawyers
Preparing the Space
In order to accept Section 8 housing vouchers, the landlord must agree to meet certain standards. Housing inspectors will conduct a separate housing inspection of your property. This inspection is in addition to the regulations you must meet according to state and local housing laws. The inspectors look closely at all areas of your property. They will examine the space to make sure that it is safe and that it meets all national codes in regards to specifics such as water supply, the use of structure and materials, indoor air quality and smoke detection.
All landlords are required to submit the space for inspection before a tenant can move in. The inspector will also inspect the property after the tenant has been living there for a year. In addition, housing officials may choose to inspect the property if the tenant files a complaint about the home’s condition. They can also respond to the landlord’s complaints that a tenant is not keeping the property in the desired condition. Officials may also choose to conduct surprise inspections if they think there’s the possibility of fraud.
Potential Problems
Renting to Section 8 tenants can be a good choice for some landlords. For others, however, it can mean an extra layer of rules and regulations that can be highly confusing and even contradictory. A landlord may have issues that arise before they participate in the program and once they are part of it. If officials think the landlord is not meeting their obligations to the tenants, they can take several steps. Landlords can be asked to correct any problems and be given time to bring it up to code. A landlord who does not meet the necessary requirements may face many kinds of penalties.
Landlords who violate housing codes can be taken to court and fined. They can also be removed from participation. A landlord may also be facing charges that they acted to defraud the Department of Housing and Urban Development in some way. For example, they might be charged with deliberately overestimating the value of the home. In doing so, they may have charged more than the fair market rent. Landlords can also be charged with violating HUD laws pertaining to Section 8 housing in other instances. Officials may charge the landlord with deliberately conspiring with others to defraud tenants and defraud officials at HUD by presenting evidence that measures have been taken to remedy any existing problems when they have done so.
Participating in Section 8 housing can be a great choice for many landlords. If they are denied their right to welcome tenants, this can lead to a significant loss of income. It can also lead to a decreased tenant rental base and a reduction in the overall value of the property. This is why a careful, thorough consultation with Philadelphia Section 8 fraud lawyers is a necessity in such instances for all landlords.