The Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher program is designed to offer voucher recipients flexibility in where they live. This flexibility includes the freedom to move while maintaining voucher assistance. If a family decides to move to another city,their voucher can be transferred along with them. However, there are certain steps and things recipients should consider before moving to a new city.
To be approved for a transfer, a family must fulfill the obligations of their current lease agreement and give their landlord proper notice (usually 30 days). This means you are not permitted to end a lease early or in any other way violate the agreement with your decision to move. If you are to violate your lease agreement, your Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers may be withheld until the issue is resolved. When you decide to move, notify your current Public Housing Authority (or PHA) and let them know you’d like the vouchers transferred.
Moving to a New State with Section 8
If you are moving to a new home in the same area you will remain under the jurisdiction of your current PHA and paperwork will be minimal. Your PHA will issue a new voucher to be signed by your new landlord and yourself and the home will be inspected to ensure it meets the PHA’s Housing Quality Standards.
However, if you are searching for a home in a new jurisdiction, your family must abide by the receiving PHA’s policies. This may differ for each PHA, so be sure to contact your future PHA to understand your requirements. Things that may differ include request for tenancy approval and inspection of the leasing unit, among other things.
If you plan to move out of the jurisdiction of your current PHA, additionally check that the city or area you plan to move to has Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher program coverage as not everywhere in the U.S. does. Your current PHA is required to provide you with information regarding this – often referred to as portability.Information regarding portability should include maps of neighborhoods with lower poverty and nearby job opportunities.