Moving With Section 8: How Voucher Portability Really Works

Moving to a new city, county, or state while using a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is possible under a feature called portability. But the rules can be confusing, and every housing authority may handle the details a little differently.

This guide explains how voucher portability usually works, what to expect when you want to move, and how to work through official housing authorities step by step.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, housing authority, or application portal. This article is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can better navigate it with your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) or housing authority.

What Is Voucher Portability?

In simple terms, portability is the Section 8 rule that lets you:

• Use your Housing Choice Voucher to move to a different area
• Transfer your assistance from one Public Housing Agency (PHA) to another
• Keep getting help with rent after you relocate, if you follow the rules

You may see this called:

• Porting your voucher
• Transferring your voucher
• Using portability

Portability only applies to Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), not to project-based vouchers or public housing units where the assistance is tied to the building.

Basic Portability Rules You Should Know

While each housing authority has its own policies, a few key rules and patterns are common:

• You generally must be in good standing with your current PHA (no serious lease violations, not owing unpaid rent or PHA debts unless a repayment agreement is in place).
• You usually must live in your PHA’s service area for at least 12 months before you can port out, if you were not already living in the area when you were first issued the voucher.
• Your current PHA must approve the move before they send your paperwork to the new PHA.
• The new PHA’s payment standards, rules, and procedures will apply once your voucher is received there, even though the voucher was originally issued somewhere else.
• Portability is a right built into the HCV program, but timing and conditions can still affect how and when you move.

Because details vary, the safest approach is to speak directly with your current PHA before making any moving plans or signing any new lease.

Who Can Usually Use Portability?

Most households with an active Housing Choice Voucher may be able to use portability if they meet some common conditions.

You’re more likely to be eligible to port if:

• You have a current voucher in good standing.
• Your rent portion is paid up, and you do not owe serious back rent or damages to the PHA or landlord.
• You have lived in your current PHA’s jurisdiction for at least 12 months, if required.
• You want to move to an area served by a different PHA (for example, another county or state).

You may face limits or delays if:

• You are on a short-term voucher extension.
• You are currently under a repayment agreement and not making payments as agreed.
• Your household was found in serious violation of program rules.
• You have recently moved and have not yet completed the initial 12-month lease term, unless you qualify for an exception (such as domestic violence or other approved hardship, depending on local policy).

Ultimately, your current housing authority decides whether to approve the move, based on federal rules and its own written policies.

Step-by-Step: How Portability Usually Works

1. Decide Where You Want to Move

Portability doesn’t usually allow you to move anywhere at random. You must move to an area:

• Where a Housing Choice Voucher program operates, and
• That is within the jurisdiction of a PHA willing or required to process your voucher.

Helpful first steps:

• Identify the city or county where you plan to live.
• Contact that area’s local housing authority and confirm they administer Housing Choice Vouchers.
• Ask if they are currently absorbing or billing incoming portable vouchers (explained below).

2. Talk to Your Current PHA Before You Move

Before giving notice to your landlord or signing a new lease, contact your current PHA and say you want to use portability. You can usually:

• Call the main office and ask for the Section 8 / HCV portability specialist or your caseworker.
• Visit in person if your local office accepts walk-ins.
• Use any online portal or email address the PHA provides for voucher questions.

Questions to ask:

• Am I currently eligible to port my voucher?
• Do I meet the 12-month requirement, if it applies?
• Are there any balances I must repay first?
• What forms or written requests do you require?
• What is your deadline for receiving my 30-day notice to my landlord?

Your PHA may ask you to submit a written request to move or complete a specific “Request for Portability” or “Intent to Move” form.

3. Give Proper Notice to Your Landlord (If Required)

Most PHAs require you to:

• Follow the notice rules in your lease (often 30 days’ written notice).
• Provide a copy of your move-out notice to your PHA.

If you leave without giving proper notice, it can create problems such as:

• Being marked as having broken your lease.
• Being found in violation of voucher rules.
• Delays or denial of your portability move.

If you are moving due to safety concerns, domestic violence, stalking, or similar reasons, there may be special protections under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) or local laws. In those situations, ask your PHA if there are alternative procedures for ending the lease safely.

4. Attend a Portability or Move Appointment (If Required)

Many housing authorities will schedule a briefing or appointment before allowing you to port. At that meeting, they may:

• Review your income, household size, and assets.
• Confirm that your information is up to date.
• Explain how portability works and give you written instructions.
• Re-issue or update your voucher with a new expiration date.

You may be asked to bring:

• Photo ID for adult household members
• Social Security cards or numbers, if available
• Birth certificates or immigration documents as previously required
• Proof of income (paystubs, benefit letters, child support printouts)
• Recent bank statements, if applicable

Your PHA usually cannot process the move until your file is current and verified.

5. Your Current PHA Sends Your File to the New PHA

Once your move is approved, your current PHA (often called the initial PHA) will:

• Notify the receiving PHA that you want to port in.
• Send a portability packet (electronic or paper) with your voucher details, income info, and family composition.
• Give you the contact information for the receiving PHA.

Typical items sent between PHAs include:

• A copy of your voucher
• Recent income verification and household details
• A HUD 50058 form (official program data form)
• Notes on whether the receiving PHA should bill or absorb your voucher

You usually will not need to handle these forms yourself, but you may need to follow up and make sure the receiving PHA has received your file.

6. Contact the Receiving PHA and Follow Their Rules

Once the receiving PHA has your portability packet, they will contact you or ask you to:

• Schedule a portability intake appointment or briefing.
• Bring updated documents (proof of income, IDs, etc.).
• Learn their local payment standards, utility allowances, and inspection process.

Even though you came from another PHA:

• The receiving PHA’s rules now apply to your rent calculation, bedroom size, deadlines, and procedures.
• They may recalculate your portion of rent based on their own standards.
• They can deny or terminate assistance if you violate their program rules, just like with any other participant.

Billing vs. Absorbing: How Two PHAs Share Responsibility

When you port, two housing authorities are involved:

• The initial PHA (where you started)
• The receiving PHA (where you’re moving)

The receiving PHA can handle your case in two main ways:

You usually do not choose between billing and absorbing. It is mainly a funding decision between PHAs. However, it can impact how long your move takes and which payment standards apply.

How Payment Standards and Rent May Change When You Move

With portability, your rent portion can go up or down, depending on:

• The local payment standard (what the PHA considers a typical rent for your voucher size)
• Local utility allowances
• Fair Market Rents in your new area
• Your household income

Key points:

• A higher-cost area may allow a higher maximum rent, but you may still pay more out of pocket if your income is low relative to the new rent.
• A lower-cost area may bring your rent portion down, but unit availability could be more limited.
• You still must choose a unit where your share of the rent is affordable and allowed under program rules (often not more than a certain percentage of your income, especially at initial lease-up).

The receiving PHA will usually explain these numbers at your portability briefing.

Typical Documents to Gather for a Portability Move

Every PHA has its own checklist, but the following documents are commonly requested:

• Photo ID for all adults
• Social Security numbers / cards (if available) for all household members
• Birth certificates or immigration documents as previously required
• Most recent pay stubs (often last 4–6 weeks)
• Benefit award letters (SSI, SSDI, TANF, unemployment, pensions, VA benefits)
• Child support statements or printouts, if applicable
• Most recent tax return, if self-employed
• Bank statements, if the PHA requires them
• Current lease and landlord contact information, until you move out
• Written notice to your current landlord (and proof of delivery, if you have it)
• Any repayment agreements with your PHA

Having these ready can reduce delays and help the move go more smoothly.

Typical Timelines for Portability

Timelines can vary widely, but some common timeframes include:

• 30 days or more: Required notice to your current landlord (check your lease).
• A few days to several weeks: Time for your initial PHA to process your request and send the portability packet.
• Several days to several weeks: Time for the receiving PHA to schedule your intake and issue the voucher in their system.
• Up to the voucher expiration date: Time for you to locate an eligible unit and submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA), which may be extended if allowed.

Because delays are common, many people find it helpful to:

• Start the portability conversation well before their planned move date.
• Follow up regularly with both PHAs to check the status of their file.
• Keep written records of dates, contacts, and documents submitted.

Common Reasons Portability Gets Delayed or Denied

People often experience problems with portability for a few recurring reasons:

• Not meeting the 12-month residency requirement at the initial PHA (when it applies).
• Owing money to the PHA or landlord without a repayment plan.
• Serious lease violations or program violations on record.
• Incomplete documents or missing verification of income or household members.
• Expired voucher before a suitable unit is found and approved.
• Misunderstanding about jurisdiction (trying to port into an area not covered by a voucher program or by that PHA).
• Missing appointments or not responding to PHA requests by their deadlines.

If your portability request is denied or stopped, ask for:

• The reason in writing.
• A copy or explanation of the PHA’s written policy that applies.
• Information on appeal or grievance procedures in your area.

What Happens After You Port and Find a New Unit?

Once you have a voucher from the receiving PHA and you locate a unit:

1. Submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) to the receiving PHA, usually completed with your new landlord.
2. The PHA reviews the proposed rent to see if it is reasonable and affordable under program rules.
3. The PHA schedules an inspection to ensure the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
4. If the unit passes and the rent is approved, you and the landlord sign a lease, and the PHA signs a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the landlord.
5. You begin paying your portion of the rent, and the PHA begins paying the subsidy directly to the landlord.

Remember that ongoing rules still apply:

• Reporting changes in income or household members.
• Complying with lease terms.
• Allowing inspections and recertifications as scheduled.
• Notifying the PHA before moving again.

If You’re Told You Can’t Port: Appeal and Options

If your PHA says you cannot move with your voucher, you can usually:

1. Ask for a clear explanation in writing, including specific reasons.
2. Request copies of relevant policies (often in the PHA’s Administrative Plan).
3. Ask about the informal hearing or grievance process, which PHAs generally must provide for certain decisions that affect your continued assistance.
4. Keep your contact information updated so you don’t miss any notices or hearing dates.

You may also consider:

• Contacting a local legal aid office or tenant rights organization for advice.
• Calling 211 or a similar information line to ask about housing counseling or legal services in your area.
• Speaking with a social worker, case manager, or advocate, if you are connected to another program (such as disability services or domestic violence services).

Appeal processes and timelines vary by PHA, so it’s important to read your notices carefully and respond before any listed deadlines.

Alternatives If Portability Doesn’t Work Out

If you are unable to use portability or you decide not to move with your voucher, you might explore:

• Remaining in your current unit with your existing voucher, if your landlord and PHA agree.
• Moving within the same PHA jurisdiction, which may have a simpler process than porting to another PHA.
• Asking your PHA about any project-based vouchers or other local programs they administer.
• Looking into state or local rental assistance programs, separate from Section 8.
• Reaching out to local nonprofit housing agencies, community development organizations, or faith-based groups that may offer limited rental help or security deposit assistance.

You can often find these resources by:

• Calling 211 and asking about rental assistance and housing resources.
• Contacting your county or city housing department.
• Asking your PHA if they maintain a list of community resources.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels

Because Section 8 and voucher portability involve sensitive information and money, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with real, official offices.

Here are practical tips:

• Use official phone numbers and addresses found on government websites, county or city pages, or printed notices from your housing authority.
• Be cautious of third-party websites that claim they can get you approved faster or guarantee a voucher for a fee.
• Do not pay anyone to “process” your Section 8 application or portability request. PHAs do not charge application or portability fees.
• If you receive texts, emails, or calls asking for your Social Security number, bank account, or payment in exchange for a voucher, contact your PHA directly using a verified number to check if the contact is legitimate.
• When in doubt, you can visit or call your local housing authority office and ask if a message or instruction really came from them.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot check your status, process your portability, or submit documents for you. For any action on your case, you will need to work directly with your housing authority or the official benefits channels in your area.

Understanding voucher portability can make a stressful move feel more manageable. By knowing when you can port, how the two PHAs coordinate, what documents you need, and where delays usually happen, you can plan ahead and communicate more effectively with your housing authority as you take your next steps through official channels.