If you’re a landlord in Illinois, you’ve likely asked yourself, “Should I accept Section 8 tenants?” With new rules and shifting market dynamics, there’s a lot of chatter—and some confusion—about this topic. Let’s clear the air with three honest insights that might change the way you view rental assistance programs.
1. It’s the Law in Illinois
In 2022, Illinois explicitly included “source of income” as a protected class under its fair housing laws, meaning that Section 8 vouchers are considered a lawful form of income. You cannot reject an applicant solely because they use a Section 8 voucher. Some landlords see this as one more layer of red tape, but ignoring the law can lead to penalties that are far more costly than compliance. The bottom line? Stay informed about your local regulations, because changes roll out more often than you’d think—and not knowing isn’t a valid excuse.
Action Step
- Familiarize yourself with the exact requirements in your jurisdiction. Your local housing authority’s website or fair housing office often spells out the do’s and don’ts in plain English.
2. Good Residents Aren’t Defined by Their Assistance
Landlords often worry that Section 8 applicants won’t care for the property or pay on time. But a renter’s character is influenced by their personal habits, references, employment history, and how seriously they treat their rental obligations—not by a rental assistance voucher. In fact, many Section 8 tenants value long-term stability; they’ll often be more diligent in caring for a home that keeps them in good standing with the housing authority.
Action Step
- Evaluate all applicants—Section 8 or not—by the same criteria. Check references, verify rental history, and have a clear tenant screening process. You’re looking for the best overall fit, not a label.
3. Accepting Only Section 8 Can Also Be Discriminatory
Landlords sometimes swing to the other extreme: they assume if someone is on Section 8, they’re automatically a “better” or “easier” tenant because part of the rent is guaranteed. But actively seeking only Section 8 tenants can be seen as a form of reverse discrimination. Fair Housing Laws mandate that you advertise and offer your property to the general public, not confine your pool to one group—regardless of your intentions.
Action Step
- Keep your marketing broad and fair. List your property on multiple platforms and highlight its features, not who you want (or don’t want) to live there.
Additional Considerations
- Inspection Requirements. Section 8 generally requires a property inspection to ensure it meets certain housing standards. While it’s an extra step, these standards often help maintain your property’s condition over the long haul.
- Stable Payments. The housing authority’s portion of the rent is typically stable, which can mitigate late payments or vacancies.
- Longer Tenancies. Many Section 8 tenants value a good relationship with a landlord who is open to voucher programs, often resulting in longer-term stays.
The Verdict
Accepting Section 8 in Illinois isn’t just a legal box to check—it’s an opportunity to find responsible, long-term tenants who might not otherwise get a fair shot. Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned landlord, it pays (sometimes literally) to keep an open mind and follow a consistent tenant screening process, rather than relying on preconceived ideas about rental assistance.
In short: Comply with the law, treat every applicant with respect, and judge prospective residents on their individual merits. That approach isn’t just legally safe; it’s also the right thing to do.
Want to learn more about navigating the Section 8 process or fair housing in Illinois? Drop a comment below or get in touch—you may be pleasantly surprised at how straightforward (and beneficial) opening your doors can be.
