Moving to a new city can be a daunting process, especially for those living in low-income housing. For many, the concern lies with the possibility of continuing their housing assistance in a new location. Can you transfer low-income housing to another city, or do you have to stay where you live if you need assistance?
Can You Transfer Low-Income Housing To Another City?
The Section 8 program includes a feature known as "portability.” This feature allows voucher holders to move or "port" their housing assistance when they relocate to a new city or state.
If a recipient decides to move to a new city, they can apply to have their housing voucher transferred to that location. This process involves coordination between different Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) — the PHA that first issued the voucher, known as the "initial PHA," and the PHA in the jurisdiction to which the recipient wishes to move, referred to as the "receiving PHA."
Can You Transfer Low-Income Housing To Another Country?
Section 8 is a U.S. federal assistance program and is limited to anywhere within the United States and its territories where there is a PHA administering the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
As such, you cannot transfer your voucher to another country. If a recipient of Section 8 assistance chooses to move abroad, they would need to explore housing assistance programs specific to the country they are moving to.
What Is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Before continuing to discuss whether you can transfer low-income housing to another city, it’s helpful to understand the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
It’s a major U.S. federal housing assistance initiative aimed at providing affordable housing options to low-income families, disabled persons, and seniors. Administered by HUD, the program seeks to empower recipients with the flexibility to select their own dwelling units in the private rental market.
Under the Section 8 program, eligible recipients are issued housing choice vouchers, which serve as a guarantee that the federal government will subsidize a portion of their rent. This subsidy bridges the gap between what the recipients can afford to pay, typically no more than 30% to 40% of their monthly income, and the cost of rental housing in their area.
It's important to note that housing choice vouchers are not directly given to landlords. Instead, they are paid to landlords by the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) on behalf of the families or individuals. The PHAs receive federal funds from HUD to distribute funds via the voucher program.
What Is the Process of Transferring Housing Assistance?
When you're ready to move your Section 8 housing voucher to a new location, there are a few steps you need to take.
Inform Your Current Housing Authority
Let the housing authority that gave you your voucher know that you plan to move. They can provide you with important information about the process and any specific rules you need to follow.
Request To Use Portability
Portability is the term used for the ability to move your voucher to a new area. You need to formally request to use this feature. Typically, this involves filling out some paperwork.
Locate a New Housing Authority
You'll need to find the housing authority in the area you plan to move to. They will be your new point of contact for your voucher.
Initiate the Paperwork Transfer
Your current housing authority will need to send your paperwork to the new housing authority. This includes details about your voucher, your household, and your income.
Find a Suitable Home
Once the new housing authority has your information, you can start looking for a place to live in your new city. Just like when you first got your voucher, the home you choose will need to meet certain requirements, and the landlord must be willing to accept your voucher.
Get an Inspection and Sign the Lease
If you find a suitable home and the landlord agrees to rent to you, the new housing authority will need to inspect the home to make sure it's safe and suitable. If it passes inspection, you can sign the lease.
Remember, every housing authority may have slightly different rules and procedures for transferring your housing voucher, so check with both your current and new housing authority to make sure you're following the correct steps.
Can You Break Your Current Lease Before Transferring Assistance?
Before moving and transferring your housing voucher, you must fulfill all obligations associated with your current lease. This includes complying with any terms concerning breaking the lease and giving adequate notice before leaving the property.
Failure to adhere to the terms may cause delays in your transfer, or it could be denied altogether. Always communicate your plans with your landlord and the housing authority to prevent any missteps.
Also, you need to have lived in the jurisdiction of your initial public housing agency for at least one year. If you move to a new state before completing this one-year residence requirement, you may lose your voucher benefits.
How Long Does Porting Your Existing Voucher Take?
The process of transferring your Housing Choice Voucher to a new location can vary in duration based on several factors. It's a process that requires collaboration between different public housing agencies, and timeframes can fluctuate depending on the workload and efficiency of both agencies.
Once you notify your initial public housing agency of your intent to move and submit the necessary paperwork, the PHA will need to confirm your eligibility to port the voucher. This can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on their workload.
Following this, your initial PHA will send your information to the receiving PHA in your new area. The receiving PHA will then process your information, which can also take a few weeks. After they've processed your information, you'll be invited to attend a briefing on the voucher program in your new area, and you'll be given the go-ahead to start searching for suitable housing.
Therefore, while it's challenging to provide a definitive timeline for the entire process, it generally takes between a few weeks to a couple of months. It's best to start this process well ahead of your intended moving date to allow for delays and ensure a smooth transition.
What Is the Benefit of Portability?
By offering portability, the Section 8 program empowers beneficiaries with the flexibility to pursue opportunities in different cities and towns across the country. This not only expands their living options but also enables them to access better resources, services, and community environments. It ensures that housing assistance serves as a stepping-stone to improved living conditions and socioeconomic mobility, rather than acting as a tether to a particular location.
Are There Challenges in Transferring Housing Assistance?
Though portability is an important feature of the Section 8 program, transferring assistance can come with challenges. Wait times can be lengthy, especially in cities with high demand for low-income housing.
Furthermore, not all housing agencies readily accept transfers. Some PHAs may not have the funding to absorb incoming vouchers or may be experiencing a backlog of local applicants. Therefore, voucher holders should contact the receiving PHA and verify their ability to accommodate incoming transfers.
Is It Worth It for You To Transfer Low-Income Housing To Another City?
With careful planning, clear communication, and an understanding of the guidelines, you can transfer low-income housing to another city, and the process can be straightforward. Portability is a beneficial feature that can help families achieve their relocation goals without losing their housing assistance. While each family must choose what’s best for their circumstances, being knowledgeable of the options can help you make an informed decision.
