Our property just sold to another owner. Our portal fees went up $7.50 a month. Must pay only by portal. I'm on Sec 8, is this legal?

In Kentucky, a new property owner can change fees like portal fees, but they must follow your lease terms and any Section 8 program rules. If your lease says you must pay portal fees and only through the portal, the owner can enforce that. However, raising fees during a lease without your agreement might not be allowed. Section 8 rules generally protect you from unfair charges related to your voucher, so the fee should not affect your rent portion.

When this may be allowed

• If your lease agreement allows for fees like portal fees or specifies payment methods, the new owner can require these.
• If the lease allows fee increases with proper notice or at lease renewal, the increase may be legal.
• If Section 8 payments cover rent and fees, the program may have guidelines on what charges tenants can pay.

What the landlord can do

• Require rent and allowable fees be paid as per the lease and Section 8 requirements.
• Increase fees if the lease or local laws allow and with proper notice.
• Limit payment methods (like portal-only) if stated in the lease.

What the landlord cannot do

• Add charges not allowed in the lease or not approved by Section 8.
• Make you pay fees that are effectively part of the rent without HUD or program approval.
• Evict or penalize you solely for questions about a fee's legality.

What the tenant should do

• Review your lease for terms on fees and payment methods.
• Contact your Section 8 caseworker or local housing authority to ask about the fee and payments.
• Ask the landlord to provide written notice about the fee increase and explanation.
• Keep records of all communications and payments.

Important

• Kentucky laws and local housing authorities may have additional rules.
• Always check your lease and Section 8 rules carefully.
• If unsure, seek help from a local tenant advocacy group or legal aid.