Portability Application Packet [PDF]
Request for Transfer or Portability [PDF]

An eligible family that has been issued a housing choice voucher may use that voucher to lease a unit anywhere in the United States where there is a housing agency operating a housing choice voucher program. This feather of the program is referred to as portability.

The agency that issued the original voucher is referred to as the ‘Initial’ Housing Authority. The jurisdiction to which the family wishes to move is called the ‘Receiving’ Housing Authority.

Portability provides flexibility for those who need to relocate with assistance to follow job opportunities in a new location, select the best school districts, or be near family member or child care providers. In this way, portability allows a family with housing assistance the same choices available to others in the community.

Moving with continued assistance

There may be some possible difficulties families could encounter in moving to a new, distant location. If the family has vacated one unit before locating a new one, a tight housing market with few available units may be found. The family could possibly end up with no assistance if the term of the portable voucher expires before the family locates a new home. Families should also be aware that the portability procedures at the receiving Housing Authority could be different from those at the initial Housing Authority. It is important to know that the family needs to seek information and pay close attention to portability requirements at both Housing Authorities.

The family is expected to initiate the portability process by informing the initial Housing Authority of its interest in moving to another jurisdiction, (porting out). A participant family electing to move to another jurisdiction with its voucher is eligible to do so but only when the family is able to move out of its current program unit under the terms of the family’s lease. A family is not eligible for portability if the family has moved out of its assisted unit in violation of the lease.

• Portability Application Packet [PDF]
• Request for Transfer or Portability [PDF]