What REALLY happens when a Section 8 Tenant says they're moving out...
/A landlord wants to list a property for sale immediately after her Section 8 tenant moves out, but the creator explains that Section 8 move-outs rarely happen on a predictable schedule.
There’s a big difference between what’s supposed to happen (formal 30-day notice, clear procedure) and what actually happens with Section 8 tenants.
The “intent to vacate” form asks whether the tenant is current on rent, but in practice landlords often don’t know what the tenant will owe until they actually move out.
Landlords may state a tenant owes money to prevent Section 8 from issuing a move packet—but Section 8 often gives move packets anyway, regardless of what the landlord reports.
Even during the first year of a lease, tenants are often allowed to move, despite rules suggesting they shouldn’t be.
Landlords expect to receive reference calls when a tenant applies elsewhere, but in reality other landlords rarely call for references, leaving the current landlord uninformed.
The tenant’s new landlord must pass a Section 8 inspection, but inspection timelines, repairs, and re-inspections are unpredictable, making move-out timing unknown.
Tenants often don’t inform landlords of their exact move-out date, which can lead to property risks—especially in Detroit, where vacant homes may have furnaces stolen.
During vague or extended move-out periods (sometimes months), landlords must constantly notify Section 8 each month that the tenant still occupies the property to ensure they continue receiving payment.
After tenants finally leave, landlords should expect cleanup and a “lived-in” mess, even from otherwise good tenants; overall, Section 8 move-outs require patience and flexibility.