The first step is to contact the local section 8 office for the city the property is located in.  After that, once a tenant is selected the city will inspect the property and determine if your rent is within acceptable limits.  They may give you a list of things to repair or they may require the reduction in rent.  Once that is completed, they will sign off and should get your client's banking information.

Note: I've only gotten as far as step one.  I've never rented section 8, but did my research 5 years ago for the city of Oxnard.  I've read considerable information lately about Los Angeles City and it runs the same.  The only difference is, they can take a month to get out for the initial inspection.  I believe all section 8 areas function the same, it's just a matter of staffing and workload for how long it takes to get someone out for the inspection.

There is a lot to be said for section 8, if they are good tenants the government pays the bills for you.  I know someone who has a lot of section 8 rentals in Nevada and speaks highly of them.  I also know that many LA City landlords are not fond of it.

I don't know about your area but, Lynn B. Friedman recently wrote this post on Section 8 housing - Atlanta Investment Property - Section 8 - Take A Look. 

Good luck, Michelle!

They now call it the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and this should get you started in Sacramento County.

Tell them to RUN away from this tenant and get someone who does not come with all of that govt baggage.

Contact your local housing authority and see what there steps are. Here it is pretty easy. This is from our local housing authority website:

*YOU select and approve a suitable tenant. SHA does not screen for suitability of tenancy. *You complete the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet with the applicant; the applicant will return the RFTA to the Housing Authority main office. *The inspector, will determine if your unit is comparable to other unit’s in the community (rent reasonableness) and that the Total Tenant Payment, (including rent and utilities), does not exceed 40% of the participants monthly adjusted income. *The inspector will then schedule an inspection and notify the tenant and/or landlord of the inspection date and time. *Once the inspection has passed, a lease may be executed. The beginning date of the lease cannot be prior to the date the inspection had passed. 

I have only rented to one Section 8 tenant as that person came with the property at closing. He was nice enough but a little unstable and ended his tenancy within about 6 months. Years later, I had another person ask if they could use Section 8 so I looked into it. It is not hard to get approved, but there is a reason that people are in need of assistance and there are very few people that don't milk the system from what I have heard from other landlords. My local housing authority told me that I am able to say that the property is not Section 8 approved and you don't HAVE to apply for approval so it is not considered discrimination if you don't accept Section 8. 

Lynn B. Friedman has experience and Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA has given you information to use. 

Looks like Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA has you covered!

If the owner has less the 5 properties for consideration, you would be wise to review a 'do no harm' that is an implied duty of a real estate agent. Section 8 is viable for those with MANY units.

Hmmm, or this may be a good way to motivate this owner to become a seller. What they are about to endure the coming year makes every small investor spend sleepless nights and realize being a landlord with the gov't is not for them.

Like you Michelle, I would need help since I am clueless.

Here the first step is to check with the local housing authority Michelle Carr Crowe,Altas Just Call...408-252-8900! 

Great answers from Libby Cousins and Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA  

Michelle Carr Crowe,Altas Just Call...408-252-8900! 
Glad to heaar my post helped! 
All the best - Lynn

You may find useful information at the Santa Clara County Housing Authority. 

I prefer to always go to the source for information.  I wish you all the best with this. 

that's good information....in MA, the property needs to be up to par.... no code violations....safe for children....lead free....

Section 8 walks you right through what they want from a participant. After that, you will be flooded with approved people with vouchers. Caveat: while you may be guaranteed rent examine closely the whole situation...

Here in CT you would contact the Housing Office in Hartford. They'd layout the steps for you. 

Your unit will need to be inspected and often they require updates/ changes.

this is all easily found online for the landlord, you & the tenant. No 'help' needed.

I would have them ask other landlords how well or unwel it is working for them.  know here in NH it is a nightmare for landlords in some cases. It was bad for me and i no longer will take it. 

Sorry... I have no clue.

Michelle,

I think you have some answers. here.  Good luck.  A

Parked and reading, have never checked into this.

Have them also look into the VASH program- (Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing), same criteria as the section 8, needs to be inspected and so forth but is for veterans...

The first step is to be desperate enough to take on sec 8 housing

Great question and answers will help. 

Best of luck.

I know it could be done. Will read answers.

Good luck.