There is a real estate company in Colorado Springs that also offers rental properties and if people call to inquire if there are any available properties that accept Section 8, the answer they will get is "I'm sorry, we don't have any Section 8 properties available at this time." Well, the truth is they NEVER have Section 8 properties because they don't want to deal with Section 8! This really hits a nerve with me because I used to work with Section 8 clients in my former job and they should not be discriminated against. The brokerage is lying when they say there are no properties available and I think they say that to avoid getting in any kind of trouble.
So how does all of this fit in with Fair Housing Laws? From what I understand, not accepting Section 8 does not necessarily violate Fair Housing Laws but what if a landlord does not accept a family who has Section 8? Under Fair Housing, it is discriminatory not to allow a family to rent or buy in a certain area or apartment complex (unless it is designated as different; i.e. retirement community). So in my opinion, not accepting a family as renters because they have Section 8 should be a violation.
So why would the property management division of this real estate company not take Section 8? I can think of a couple reasons. First off, any time a Section 8 renter locates a property to rent; it must be approved by the Colorado Spring Housing Authority first. The property is inspected to ensure it is safe, sanitary, and habitable before the lease is signed. If the property does not pass inspection, the Section 8 recipient cannot rent the property. If it passes inspection, the Housing Authority will pay a portion of the rent amount for the Section 8 resident to the landlord each month. Many of the properties located in Colorado Springs that this brokerage manages are not in the best condition and my guess is, they do not want to deal with the inspections. Secondly, Section 8 is granted to individuals who could not otherwise afford housing on their own and there is somewhat of a stigma attached to Section 8 recipients. These negative stereotypes of Section 8 renters are often false and it is wrong to assume they will be a difficult tenant or not pay their rent just because they receive Section 8.
For further information on available Real Estate in Colorado Springs contact your Colorado Springs Realtor, Patricia Beck.
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