🗞️What Is The Way To Handle Tenant Inquiries Involving Vouchers?

As a real estate agent, you may be asked by prospective tenants whether a landlord will accept housing vouchers or other rental subsidy programs. It is important to be aware of the law in your state regarding discrimination against tenants who use vouchers, and to follow the proper procedures when handling these inquiries.

In New York State, for example, housing providers and real estate professionals are prohibited from discriminating against renters or buyers in housing decisions based upon how such individuals pay for housing accommodations. This means that you cannot refuse to show a property to a prospective tenant simply because they use a voucher.

The best way to handle tenant inquiries involving vouchers is to start by conveying that you and the landlord will consider all lawful sources of income when qualifying a prospective tenant. You should then forward the prospective tenant your standard rental application package, which should contain a financial worksheet that allows the tenant to list all of their sources of income.

If the prospective tenant indicates that they have a voucher, you should request a copy of the voucher, the name and contact information for the caseworker who is working with the prospective tenant, and research the basic parameters and provisions of the voucher program. You are not expected to be an expert in every voucher program, but you should have a basic knowledge of how they work and how to obtain the relevant information.

By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that you are not discriminating against tenants who use vouchers, and that you are complying with the law in your state.

Here are some additional tips for handling tenant inquiries involving vouchers:

• Be clear and upfront about your policies regarding vouchers.
• Be respectful and professional when interacting with prospective tenants who use vouchers.
• Do your research and understand the basic parameters of the voucher program.
• Work with the prospective tenant and their caseworker to ensure that they are a good fit for the property.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that both landlords and tenants have a positive experience when working with vouchers.

For more information on discrimination against tenants who use vouchers, please visit the following websites:

New York State Division of Human Rights:

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development:

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Sydney Harewood.Lrsp, LEVEL. 5 West 37th Street | New York, NY 10018 | Tel: 646-535-3819