Unlawful Detainer or Non-Payment Actions are the most common type of eviction in Denver, but Breach of Lease Agreements and Other Types of Evictions may also occur. Additionally, having a Section 8 voucher or prior eviction/criminal record can affect your ability to find housing.
Through this blog, you will have a better understanding of your rights as a tenant and how to lessen the impact of a prior record or voucher on your ability to find housing.
Section 8 and Eviction/Criminal Record
Even though a criminal record is not a barrier to getting Section 8, it may delay the process of obtaining it. If a crime is related to drugs or violence, this could prevent an applicant from getting assistance.
If an applicant has been evicted before, they must prove they will be able to pay rent and meet all other tenant requirements in order to be approved. Without meeting these expectations, being accepted for Section 8 will be difficult.
Types of Evictions in Denver
Evictions are a major cause of resident disruption and instability within Denver. It is important to understand the various types of evictions that can occur so residents can be aware of their rights, as well as duties, under the law.
Unlawful Detainer or Non-Payment Actions
Denver landlords have the right to file an Unlawful Detainer or Non-Payment Action when it comes to evicting tenants. This process can involve the tenant contesting the eviction, meaning a court hearing may be necessary.
Landlords must follow specific procedures during this process, concerning notifications and deadlines. If a landlord fails to comply with these rules, they may not succeed in evicting their tenant.
Therefore abiding by the law is essential for any landlord seeking to make use of an Unlawful Detainer or Non-Payment Action.
Breach of Lease Agreements
Denver eviction cases must follow certain guidelines to be considered a valid breach of the lease agreement. These include non-payment of rent, unauthorized occupants, failure to abide by rules set out in the lease agreement, and any type of criminal activity on the premises.
All cases must be handled fairly to comply with local and state laws. Any tenant that is being evicted must also receive written notice from the landlord in order to properly initiate the process.
Other Types of Evictions
Evictions in Denver under Section 8 can also occur for reasons other than non-payment of rent. These include lease violations, damage to property, and criminal activity.
Additionally, landlords can evict tenants if they wish to end the tenancy or do a substantial unit makeover. All evictions must comply with applicable laws and regulations of both local and state governments.
Tenants should be aware of the reasons why they might be subject to eviction in order to know their rights, which are there to protect them.
Section 8 and Eviction Record in Denver
In Denver, housing authorities issue Section 8 vouchers to low-income residents. If they fail to pay rent or violate the lease agreement, a landlord can choose to evict them. This will appear on the resident’s records and could influence their chances of being approved for future housing.
Fortunately, Denver offers protections for tenants who have received a Section 8 voucher. Landlords are prohibited from denying tenancy due to the existence of an eviction record.
How Section 8 Affects Tenants
The Section 8 housing program is a federally funded initiative that provides rental assistance to individuals and families in need. This assistance, known as a ‘housing voucher’, is distributed by public housing authorities and allows those who qualify to pay approximately 30 percent of their monthly income towards rent.
This is beneficial not only because it empowers low-income households to afford safe, quality housing, but also because it helps stimulate the economy as these limited funds have a direct, positive consequence on local businesses. Apart from reducing the overall financial burden, Section 8 also provides tenants with access to property owner resources that can be invaluable in maintaining an appropriate living environment.
As such, this program has had a major impact on many households across the nation by providing them with secure living arrangements without overextending their finances.
The Impact of a Prior Eviction or Criminal Record on Rental Opportunities
A prior eviction or criminal record can have a significant impact on one’s ability to find rental housing. It may cause prospective landlords to be hesitant in accepting a tenant, as they worry about potential risks and liabilities.
While this type of background check cannot completely disqualify an individual from rental opportunities, it can make the availability of quality housing limited and the process of finding affordable housing difficult.
It is important for tenants to understand the scale of the possible barriers they might face related to their criminal or eviction history, and how those issues can affect their overall search for safe and adequate housing.
- Difficulty in finding a suitable housing option: Landlords may be hesitant to rent to applicants with a prior eviction or criminal record. This could result in fewer housing options available for those seeking rental housing.
- Higher application fees and deposits: Prospective tenants may have to pay higher application fees or security deposits due to their past history.
- Denial of housing: Applicants may be denied housing due to their prior eviction or criminal record, even if they meet all other requirements.
- Discrimination: Landlords may discriminate against applicants based on their previous record, even if it is unrelated to the rental agreement.
- Higher rent: Applicants may be required to pay higher rent due to their previous record.
Conclusion
It is important for tenants to understand the impact a prior eviction or criminal record can have on their ability to find rental housing. Being aware of one’s rights and the potential barriers one may face will help one in their search for safe and adequate housing.
Additionally, becoming familiar with Section 8 and Denver eviction laws can further protect tenants from potential housing discrimination. Taking the time to understand these rights and responsibilities can make a major difference in finding rental housing with less difficulty.
