You can move your Section 8 voucher to a different housing authority, but the process depends on where you're moving and whether your current authority will release you

A Section 8 voucher transfer means moving your housing choice voucher from one public housing authority (PHA) to another so you can use it in a different city or county. The receiving authority must have funding available and must agree to take your case. Your current authority must also approve the transfer — they are not required to do so, though many will if you are in good standing and have a valid reason to move.

The timeline varies widely. Some transfers take four to eight weeks; others take several months if the receiving authority has a waiting list or limited funding. You cannot use your voucher in the new location until the transfer is complete and the receiving authority issues you a new voucher packet.

Key Takeaways

  • Your current housing authority must release you before any transfer can happen, and they can refuse if you are behind on rent or have lease violations.
  • The receiving authority must have available funding and must agree to accept your case — many have waiting lists or funding freezes.
  • You will need to contact both authorities directly; there is no central transfer system or online portal.
  • Once approved, you receive a new voucher from the receiving authority and must find a new unit within their jurisdiction within the timeframe they set.
  • If you move without completing a transfer, your voucher becomes invalid and you lose it permanently.

How to request a transfer from your current housing authority

Start by contacting your current PHA's voucher program office — not the main phone line, but the specific unit that manages Section 8 cases. Ask to speak with a counselor or case manager about a portability request or transfer request. Some authorities call it one, some the other; both mean the same thing.

You will need to explain where you are moving and why. Common reasons authorities accept are: a job offer in another city, family support (moving near a relative who helps with childcare or care for an elderly parent), or fleeing domestic violence. Authorities are more likely to approve transfers for documented hardship or employment than for general preference. Have your lease, ID, and current voucher packet ready when you call.

Ask the authority for their transfer request form — most have a written process. Some require you to fill it out in person; others mail it or provide it by email. The form typically asks for your new address or the city you are moving to, your reason for moving, and contact information for the receiving authority if you already know it.

Finding and contacting the receiving housing authority

Once your current authority approves your transfer request, you need to identify the PHA in the area where you are moving. If you know the city or county, search "[city name] public housing authority" or "[county name] housing authority." The HUD website also lists all PHAs by state at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha_contacts, though the directory is not always current.

Call the receiving authority's Section 8 or housing choice voucher program office directly. Tell them you are transferring in from another authority and ask whether they are currently taking transfers. This is the critical question: many authorities have frozen their transfer intake because they lack funding. If they are not taking transfers, ask when they expect to reopen and whether you can be placed on a waiting list.

If they are accepting transfers, ask what documents they need from you. Most require: a copy of your current voucher, proof of income, a signed lease from your current unit (or a letter from your landlord), and proof that your current authority has approved your transfer. Some also ask for references or a housing history. Get the name and email of the person handling your case so you can follow up.

What happens during the waiting period

After the receiving authority receives your transfer paperwork, you enter a review period. They will verify your income, check your lease compliance history with your current authority, and confirm that your current PHA has actually released you. This verification step typically takes two to four weeks.

During this time, you should continue paying rent and living in your current unit. Do not move or break your lease before the receiving authority formally accepts your case — if you move without a completed transfer, your voucher is terminated and you lose it. Some people lose their vouchers this way because they assume approval is certain.

If the receiving authority approves you, they will issue a new voucher packet with a new voucher number, a new lease term (usually 60 to 120 days to find a unit), and a list of their program rules. These rules can differ from your current authority's rules — rent limits, utility allowances, and inspection standards vary by PHA. Read the new packet carefully before you move.

Finding a unit and completing the move

Once you have your new voucher from the receiving authority, you have a set number of days (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on the authority) to find a rental unit within their jurisdiction that meets program standards. The unit must pass a housing quality inspection and the rent cannot exceed the authority's payment standard for that bedroom size.

Work with a landlord or property manager who is willing to accept Section 8. Not all landlords do, and some in the new area may be unfamiliar with your current authority's voucher. Bring a copy of your new voucher and the receiving authority's landlord information sheet to show the landlord what the program covers and how payment works.

Once you have a signed lease, submit it to the receiving authority along with the landlord's contact information. They will schedule a housing quality inspection. If the unit passes, they will issue a lease addendum and begin payments to the landlord. You are now officially transferred.

Reasons your transfer request might be denied

Your current authority can deny a transfer request if you are behind on rent, have violated your lease, or have an active eviction case. Some authorities also deny transfers if you have been on the program for less than one year, though this is less common. If denied, ask for the specific reason in writing and whether you can reapply after a certain period.

The receiving authority can deny you if they have no funding available, if your income exceeds their limits, or if your housing history shows serious violations (such as repeated lease breaks or property damage). If denied, ask whether you can be placed on a waiting list for when funding reopens.

If either authority denies your request, you have the right to request a hearing. Your current authority must provide a hearing process if you dispute their decision. Ask for the hearing request procedure in writing.

What to do if you need to move urgently

If you are in an unsafe situation — such as domestic violence or a natural disaster — some authorities will expedite transfers. Contact your current PHA's voucher office and explain the emergency. Ask whether they have an emergency transfer policy. If they do, provide documentation (a police report, a restraining order, or a FEMA disaster declaration). Emergency transfers still require the receiving authority's approval, but the timeline can compress to two to three weeks.

If your current authority does not have an emergency policy, contact a local domestic violence shelter or disaster relief agency. They can sometimes advocate on your behalf or connect you with resources in the receiving area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my voucher in the new city while my transfer is being processed?

No. Your current voucher is only valid in your current authority's jurisdiction. Using it outside that area voids it. You must wait until the receiving authority issues you a new voucher before you can search for a unit or sign a lease in the new location.

What if the receiving authority has a waiting list for transfers?

You can ask to be added to the waiting list. Some authorities prioritize transfers over new applicants; others treat them the same. Ask how long the current wait is and whether there is a timeline for when they expect to process transfers. In the meantime, you can stay in your current unit and continue using your voucher there.

Do I have to move if my transfer is approved?

No. Approval means you have the option to move. If you change your mind, you can ask your current authority to cancel the transfer and keep your voucher where you are. However, once you move and the receiving authority issues your new voucher, you cannot transfer back to your original authority — you would have to explore as a new applicant if you wanted to return.

What if my landlord in the new city refuses to accept Section 8?

You will need to find a different landlord. The receiving authority can provide a list of landlords who have worked with Section 8 in the past, though they cannot require any landlord to participate. Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on source of income in some states, but not all — check your new state's law. A local legal aid office can tell you whether you have recourse if a landlord refuses you.

Can I transfer my voucher to someone else in my family?

No. Section 8 vouchers are tied to the person whose name is on the lease. If you move out or the lease ends, the voucher ends with it. Family members cannot inherit or take over a voucher. They would need to explore as new applicants to their local housing authority.