Let me be blunt: most landlords are either scared of Section 8… or they’re doing it wrong.
I’ve seen it over and over again — people hear “government program” and instantly picture nightmare tenants, broken toilets, or late inspections. What they don’t realize is that they’re walking away from guaranteed income, long tenant waitlists, and less turnover — all because they never took the time to understand how the game really works.
I know, because I started in this system — and even I underestimated how powerful it really was.
I Started With Section 8 — and Still Left Money on the Table
When I made my first investment, I went all in on Section 8. I didn’t have rich family backing me. I had to make it work — and Section 8 gave me that steady, predictable income that I could build around.
But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:
Even if you’re in the game, you can still leave a lot of money behind if you don’t learn the rules.
In the beginning, I accepted rent that was way below what I could’ve asked for. I didn’t push for annual increases. I didn’t understand payment standards or bedroom optimization.
I was playing safe — and playing small.
The 3 Biggest Ways Landlords Miss Out
They Don’t Understand the Payment Standards
Every Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets a max rent they’ll pay — called the “payment standard.” Most landlords don’t know this number, so they list their property based on Zillow or what the neighbor charged last year.
I’ve had units where Section 8 would pay $1,650… while other landlords were charging $1,300 for the exact same layout.
They Don’t Maximize Bedroom Count
Section 8 isn’t about square footage — it’s about bedrooms. That extra room or finished basement can easily add $300–$400 a month if you list it right.
If you’re not counting bedrooms the way the PHA does, you’re leaving thousands on the table annually.
They Forget the Annual Rent Increase
Section 8 landlords are allowed to submit a rent increase request every year. But most either don’t know that — or assume it’s too complicated.
I implemented annual increases across my portfolio — and added over $20,000 in extra income just from that alone last year.
What I’d Tell My 20-Year-Old Self
If I could go back and talk to myself before closing on my first deal, I’d say this:
“Don’t just be in the game — learn how to win it.”
Section 8 can work for you, or you can work for it. The difference is knowledge.
🔗 Want to go deeper?
- Learn practical tactics at Section8Training.com
- Read policy insights and long-term strategies at KarimNaoum.com
- And keep checking back here at Section8Karim.com — this is where I drop the real playbook. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just what works.
