HUD HCV Guidebook § 2.2
Family Responsibilities (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
To begin the portability process, the family contacts the initial PHA to provide the name of the location to
which the family wishes to move.7 If more than one PHA
administers a voucher program in the area to which the family is
moving, the family either chooses the receiving PHA or requests Verifying Residency
that the initial PHA make that choice.8 The family must9 notify the
landlord before moving out of the unit. The family is also Acceptable forms of documentation
responsible for providing proper notice to their current landlord in to prove a household was a resident
accordance with their lease agreement. Once the receiving PHA family at the time of application
has been selected and the portability request approved, the initial
PHA also advises the family how to contact and request assistance may include:
from the receiving PHA. The family is then responsible for: · Lease,
· School records,
· Voter registration or
similar records.
3
24 CFR § 982.353(c)(2)(ii) & (3)
4
24 CFR § 982.353(d)(1)
5
24 CFR § 982.353(d)(1)
6
24 CFR § 982.353(d)(2)
7
24 CFR § 982.355(c)(1)
8
24 CFR § 982.355(b)
9
24 CFR § 982.551(f)
Moves and Portability 5
• Promptly contacting the receiving PHA and complying with the receiving PHA’s procedures for
incoming families;10
• Submitting a request for tenancy approval (RFTA) to the receiving PHA during the term of the
receiving PHA’s voucher.11
The family will also need to:
• Allow time for receiving PHA processes, such as:
o Appointments at the receiving PHA;
o Rent approval and inspection of the unit by the receiving PHA;
• Plan for extra expenses, including:
o Living expenses during the move;
o Security deposits;
o Moving costs.HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 2.2 outlines the steps a voucher-holding family must complete when initiating a move to a new jurisdiction through the portability process. The family is responsible for notifying their current landlord before vacating, in line with their lease terms, and for selecting or requesting selection of a receiving Public Housing Authority (PHA) in the destination area. Once the receiving PHA is identified and the portability request is approved, the family must promptly contact the receiving PHA, follow its procedures, and submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) within the voucher's term. The provision also notes that families should anticipate additional time and costs associated with the move, including security deposits, moving expenses, and scheduling appointments with the receiving PHA.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 2.2, landlords whose tenants hold portable vouchers can generally expect that the tenant is required to provide proper notice before vacating, consistent with the terms of the existing lease agreement. Compliant operators typically document the notice received from a departing voucher-holder and ensure that any move-out procedures align with the lease's notification requirements. Understanding that the family's portability process involves coordination between two PHAs can help property managers anticipate the timeline and paperwork associated with a voucher-assisted tenant's departure.
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 § 2.2 establishes that voucher-holding families have specific obligations when moving to a new area, including notifying their current landlord before moving out and doing so in accordance with the existing lease agreement. Tenants exercising portability rights are also responsible for promptly contacting the receiving PHA, following its intake procedures, and submitting an RFTA within the voucher's active term. Families who believe their portability rights have been improperly handled may consider reaching out to their initial PHA for clarification, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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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