tenant question?

Question

I have section 8 rental assistance. I just got it in Nov. and my new landlord seemed to know everything so we signed a lease and i entered possesion of my new apt. Now it is feb and I was discussing my situation with a friend and she also has sect 8 and told me i can lose my sect. 8. I missed my rent payment for feb and i wrote the LL a note saying i will send it in late and it will be paid late. I never heard abck so i figured it was not a problem. the other thing is he had me sign an additional lease on top of the sect 8 lease. is that legal? he told me it was but now i am researching it and it doesnt seem to be., also after recieving my note he filed for an eviction,. can i pay the balance before court and be ok? any help please!!!!

Answer 1

1/ You can pay the rent in arrears but the LL has to file a dismissal of the eviction to stop proceedings.

2/ The additional lease you signed was probably the LL's standard lease and by signing it, you probably accepted to pay the rent in full in the event you lose your Sec 8 status. But it's worth gettin it looked at by a legal eye...

Answer 2

You missed your rent payment, so the landlord CAN evict you for non-payment of rent. It is today the end of February, do you have rent due for tomorrow too? He does not have to accept any late rent, he can just evict.

As far as an additional lease, take that document to the housing agency for them to have in their files to learn if they know about it. Side agreements or separate leases for a property are illegal and unenforceable under Section 8.

You did wrong by not paying your rent (the reason is irrelevant), but he may have done something illegal or fraudulent with a second lease.

Answer 3

Your best source, of course, would be whomever is administering the Section 8 program where you live. Contact them as soon as possible with your questions.