Why do we (as tax payers) have to pay rent for a person on section 8, (public housing)?

Question

when we already paid for the building to be built?
Food for thought, more or less.
The government found out that being a landlord is very profitable.
As a landlord myself, I have to buy the building, maintain it, pay taxes on it, and pay for damages from an uncollectable tenant.
Section 8 gets all that for free.
The rent money goes right into their pockets.
Therefore the more deadbeats they can attract, the more money they make.

Answer 1

This is a symptom of a wider problem.
It actually does cost more money to have Section 8 tenants homeless, or in jail. According to the Coalition for the Homeless in my city, it costs $1920.00 to keep somebody in jail for loitering, going to the bathroom in public, etc. It costs a lot less to put a roof over their head. Homeless people also tend to get sick and injured more than housed people, and guess who pays for their medical expenses?
Not sure who "they" are --- in whose pockets the rent money goes? Do you mean the government, the owner, or the tenants?
According to Richard Reeves, back in the 1980's the tax code was changed. Owners of SRO (single room occupancy) buildings got less subsidy and tax deduction, while suburban builders got more. SRO buildings, which used to be the last housing refuge of the working poor, virtually disappeared. Nothing has replaced them. This creates greater pressure on and demand for Section 8 vouchers, and it also created more homelessness.
Laissez-faire markets used to provide housing for just about everybody in this country. But in the last 20 years the open market has been unable to provide for as many people in need of housing. Section 8's woes are a symptom of this.
And by the way, people do get evicted from Section 8 housing. Any search of your local clerk of courts website will reveal such evictions on the dockets. Increasing the number of tenants in arears hurts Section 8 landlords less, but it still hurts them.
Instead of putting more poor people out on the street, we need to find a fair way to provide housing for everybody. Housed people cost taxpayers less than homeless people.

Answer 2

Section 8 works like this: Say I want to receive $1000 month on my private house in exchange for it being used as a rental. I get to interview each person and decide on WHO becomes the tenant.

The tenant may pay $400 to me. Section 8 may pay the $600 difference. Regardless of the split, I get the $1000 that I want.

And if the tenant messes up, you just don't renew their lease.

Answer 3

Ummm....where did you get the idea that Sec 8 housing is owned by the government ? FYI, Sec 8 housing is a rental assistance program for those who cannot afford rents. They live mostly in private rental facilities owned by folks just like you and me, who happen to pay taxes, insurance, and upkeep on these very properties.

I suggest you do a bit more research before you start whining about the program.

Answer 4

You as a landlord can elect not to handle Section 8 housing.

Answer 5

why do we, as taxpayers have to pay taxes period??? when all the money never goes to what is should?????? that's life, just be glad your not one of those "deadbeats", or become disabled.

Answer 6

They also have to pay for those things (maintenance, security, etc.). It isn't pure profit.

Answer 7

WELCOME TO AMERICA