HUD HCV Guidebook § 7.3
Voucher Management System (VMS) (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
In the Voucher Management System (VMS), the PHA must report all families that are supported by HAP funds under its own annual contributions contract (ACC), including those for which the PHA is billed under portability. The unit months leased (UML) and HAP of a HUD-VASH voucher that has ported out (for which the PHA is billed) should be reported in the VASH field, not the port-out field.29 27 HUD-VASH Operating Requirements, Section III, “Reporting Requirements.” 28 PIH Notice 2016-09. 29 VMS Users’ Manual.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 7.3, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are required to report all families receiving Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) under their Annual Contributions Contract in the Voucher Management System (VMS), including families whose vouchers have ported to another jurisdiction and for whom the PHA is billed. A specific reporting distinction applies to HUD-VASH vouchers that have ported out: the unit months leased and HAP amounts for those vouchers must be entered in the VASH data field rather than the port-out field. This rule governs how federal housing assistance data is categorized and tracked at the PHA level.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 7.3 primarily governs PHA administrative reporting rather than landlord conduct, property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program benefit when their PHA accurately reports HAP data in VMS. Compliant PHAs ensure that all voucher-assisted households—including those involving ported HUD-VASH vouchers—are correctly categorized, which supports accurate HAP billing and payment processing. Landlords who notice discrepancies in HAP payments related to ported vouchers may find it useful to confirm with their PHA that VMS reporting under § 7.3 has been completed correctly.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 7.3 establishes that PHAs must account for all HAP-supported households in VMS, including voucher holders who have exercised portability, which helps ensure that assistance funding is properly tracked for every participating family. For HUD-VASH participants whose vouchers have ported out, this provision's specific VASH-field reporting requirement is designed to keep their benefits accurately recorded in the federal system. Tenants who have concerns about how their ported voucher is being tracked or funded can contact their administering PHA, reach out to their local HUD field office, or connect with a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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