Looking to Move?

• Check your current voucher bedroom size.
• If your household has changed, contact the Housing Authority before looking for a new unit.
• Your voucher size may change if household members are added or removed.
• Do not assume you can rent a larger or more expensive unit without prior approval.

Before moving, contact the Housing Authority to determine whether you are eligible to move with your voucher and what paperwork is required.

Depending on your situation, you may need to:

• Submit a Request to Move
• Complete required forms
• Resolve any outstanding issues with your current assistance
• Provide notice to your current landlord

Do not make plans to vacate your current home or sign a new lease based on the assumption that your move will be approved. Your current lease and landlord's notice requirements still apply.

Your voucher does not mean that the Housing Authority will pay any rent you choose.  The unit must work with the affordability calculation and be reasonable.

You may ask the Housing Authority what rent range is likely to be affordable for your household before signing a lease or paying an application fee.

Before searching for a home, consider how you will pay for:

• Utility costs
• Security deposit and/or holding fee
• Application fees
• Moving expenses
• Pet deposits or fees, if applicable

When you move your share of rent at the new unit will be different from what you currently pay.  It may be lower or higher depending on the rent, utility allowance, bedroom size, and your income.

There are many ways to search for a rental, including:

• Contacting local property management companies
• Searching online rental listings
• Contacting properties directly
• Working with housing search resources in your community

Be cautious of potential housing scams. Never send money or personal information to someone you have not verified as a legitimate property owner or property manager.

When applying for a rental, be prepared to provide information about your rental history. Property owners and managers may also conduct credit and background checks as part of their standard tenant screening process.

The Housing Authority must complete its required review of the proposed tenancy before housing assistance can begin at the new address.

This may include reviewing:

• The proposed rent
• The household's portion of the housing costs
• Utility information
• Rent reasonableness
• Required documentation
• The unit's inspection status

Do not assume that a landlord's asking rent will be approved.

If you sign a lease before the Housing Authority has approved the tenancy, you may be responsible for the rent and other obligations under that lease.

Housing assistance generally does not pay your security deposit or moving expenses.

Before moving, make sure you understand the costs you will be responsible for and plan accordingly.

If you want to move outside the Housing Authority's jurisdiction, you may be able to port your voucher to another PHA.

Portability rules can be complicated. Contact the Housing Authority in the area you wish to move before searching for a unit in another jurisdiction to learn:

• Whether you are eligible to port
• Which PHA will administer your assistance
• How the payment standard may differ
• What forms and deadlines apply
• Whether the receiving PHA has additional policies or requirements

Although PHAs administer the Housing Choice Voucher program under federal requirements, local policies and procedures may differ. For example, voucher size, search periods, briefing requirements, and other procedures may vary between PHAs.

If you need a reasonable accommodation related to a disability or another qualifying circumstance, contact the Housing Authority as early as possible.

Depending on your circumstances, you may request consideration of accommodations related to:

• Accessibility
• Disability-related housing needs
• Payment standards
• Voucher bedroom size
• Unit features
• Other disability-related housing needs

Avoid these common problems:

❌ Moving before receiving approval

❌ Signing a lease before the unit is approved

❌ Assuming the voucher will cover the entire rent

❌ Assuming the landlord's asking rent will be approved

❌ Forgetting to account for utilities

❌ Giving your current landlord notice before confirming your move

❌ Letting your voucher expire while searching

❌ Assuming a larger or more expensive unit will automatically be approved

Moving with a voucher involves several steps. Contact the Housing Authority before signing a lease, paying significant move-in costs, or making other commitments related to a new unit.

Planning ahead can help prevent delays, unexpected costs, or problems with your housing assistance.

Please visit our staff directory for contact information.