Can I break my lease if there are mice in my apartment building?
Yes. All residential tenants have an implied warrantee of “habitability” included with their lease. Furthermore, most states have rental and/or sanitation or health codes which require the removal of “vermin” in a leased residential apartment or home. Generally speaking, the presence of mice in a leased dwelling unit is a violation of the lease on the part of the landlord. If the landlord fails to cure the violation condition after due notice and due process is given, then the lease can be terminated (broken) by the tenant without penalty. Moreover, the landlord may then be subject to damages and other penalties in a civil action for its failure to perform under the lease agreement, and/or an administrative action for violation of rental or health/sanitation laws. However, as a practical matter, vermin conditions in multifamily buildings are generally not serious problems and are considered “manageable” with exterminations, traps, and other common methods of removal. Thus, only if the condition rises to the level of an “infestation” would the premises be considered uninhabitable and/or a violation of health or sanitation laws. Occasional encounters with mice in an apartment is generally not a problem and certainly not a basis to break a lease, but the constant presence of mice (and their droppings) present unacceptable health risks, especially in dwellings where children are present, and would indeed constitute a basis to break a lease (again assuming the landlord has been given due notice and reasonable opportunity to address the problem).
What happens If you have section 8 and than you get married?
I assume it would raise immediately. There would be another income to report. If you don't tell anyone and the government finds out, you won't get a free ride anymore. How would they find out? They have ways. Word of mouth being one. Are you worried your rent will go up to 30 dollars?
For ANYONE who knows about section 8 housing...PLEASE READ NEED HELP?
Ok, so we've all agreed you've double posted, but mistakes happen. Just in case though, I've reposted my answer here as well. "Landlord," I really don't know where you get all of your information from, but I suggest you do some research before you give another incorrect answer. The HUD website will be a good way to start, especially with chapter 5 pages 1 and 2, with HUD's definition of "family." Here was my original post: You will not lose your Section 8 assistance. In fact, people lose their jobs for many other reasons, but they are allowed to remain on the program. Caseworkers understand that situations change, which is why all offices should have some sort of form that allows you to report your change. This is crucial! HUD is cracking down on people who do not report. If you haven't been shown the Family Obligations, the EIV system, the "Debts Owed to Public Housing Agencies and Terminations" and "What You Should Know About EIV" forms, ASK about it! These all state that any changes you have regarding your income and family composition must be reported immediately. Don't wait until you start getting your unemployment after your job ended or when you get the first few paychecks for a new job to report these changes. Do it right away! If you quit your job, get a verification letter from the employer promptly and report the change to your caseworker. The caseworker will need to know your start and stop dates. Include the employer's name, phone number, and address in case further verification is needed. If your Housing Authority has a Family Self-Sufficiency program, ask them for resources in how to sharpen your job skills. Even if you don't enroll in the program, they have a lot to offer you in terms of information.
Section 8 housing program: violation of lease agreement?
This house I have is rented to someone of lower income (this is my first government-type participation). On the lease agreement, which the tenant and housing authority person signed, it lists only 5 people as being the primary residents of the house (2 adults, 3 young kids). However, for the last 5 times I've been over at this house working on general things, I've noticed another person (I think it's the daughter's boyfriend or husband). I know I'd have to prove that he's living there in order for them to be in violation of the lease agreement, which is next to impossible, but any suggestions on what to do? The lease agreement is up in April of 2009. I don't mind people living in this house, but I want everyone to pay his/her fair share... with another adult living in the house, I'll have more wear/tear on the carpet, more chances that the plumbing will become messed up, etc. Does this segment of the population think they're entitled to live somewhere without paying rent? Do you think the thought crosses this young man's mind that he's living in this house (essentially) for free? It's not about feeling sorry for a family, it's the principle of it all. I suppose I could jack up the rent from $650 to $800 next year...? After all, $150 isn't a lot to pay for having a roof over one's head, is it (referring to the young male). I don't care for any Obama-esque responses or those that refer to NOT taking on section 8 housing people b/c this one has turned out to be decent (yes, they do exist). Thanks for intelligent, rational responses.
How can i get a three bedroom house with a two bedroom section 8 voucher?
I ask landlords and some say they cant accept the two bdrm voucher for the three bedroom house. I also see houses on line that say they accept a three or four bedroom voucher. I also see online where people say you can get a three bedroom with a two voucher. Does anyone know how?
I am possibly moving to Denver questions about section 8 voucher porting process?
I have tried to contact my housing authority for a week now and so far I have recived a call back. I would like links or advice. I am in Kansas City, mo wanting to move to Denver Colorado. 1.) Denver is no longer taking applications can I still port over? 2. The rent is at least $200 higher than KC and can't find any apartments that my current voucher would approve will they raise the amount? 3. The person I am moving with has a guardian will they count his income or use the guardians income?(yes she is ok with us moving in together and then getting married.) 4. How long does it take? 5. Can I move when I am still in a lease or do I wait?
What is some advice for drafting an events of default section in a landlord-tenant lease?
That would depend on the type of lease. Default clauses will vary for residential leases and among the various types of commercial leases.Usually, the best advice is to find a copy of a standard-form lease for your state for the type of tenancy desired and simply use the language contained in the “Default” section, verbatim.Standard-form leases are promulgated by local real estate boards and national landlord’s organizations, such as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). They are designed to protect landlords, and they are regularly updated as laws change and as legal situations arise.Why draft it when you can just copy and paste it?
I rent to a Section 8 tenant; who is responsible for pest control?
I have a section 8 tenant with a rental agreement that was approved by the city. It clearly states in the rental agreement: 3.MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR; RULES. Tenant will, at its sole expense, keep and maintain the Premises and appurtenances in good and sanitary condition and repair during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof. I received a call today from the tenant, who moved in 7 months ago. She was upset because approx. 1 week ago her son saw a mouse (she said rat, but I think mouse; I asked to clarify, she said she wasn't sure) in the house and they have found droppings in his bedroom closet and in the kitchen. My advice to her was to keep all food contained to fridge/cabinets, not allowed into bedrooms. Set traps and bait them in the areas there appears to be a problem. She has two children (7 and 8, I believe). I told her I don't recommend mouse poison, but if she believes her kids are old enough to know to stay away from it then that is an option for her. She was very upset at this new problem, but I don't feel like it's my responsibility because she didn't move in with mice in the house. The rental agreement states she must maintain the property. Who would be responsible for an exterminator if one needed to be hired? I did tell her to give it a week after setting the traps and update me. Thanks!
What is a way to get started in Section 8 (real estate business)?
It sounds like you want to start a residential property rental business that targets Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) recipients (more commonly known as Section 8)as tenants. Starting this business should not be much different than starting any residential rental business. As Vicky Moore said, any property can be rented by a HCV recipient as long as it meets certain health and safety standards.