HUD HCV Guidebook § 7.4.1
Retroactive Absorptions (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
Retroactive absorptions are not allowed. However, receiving PHAs have 10 business days from the effective date of the absorption to send an updated form HUD-52665 to the initial PHA. This may result in absorptions that are retroactive but for no more than 10 business days. There is one exception to the limitation on retroactive absorptions. If an initial PHA requests that the receiving PHA absorb ported vouchers as a way of avoiding terminations of assistance due to a funding shortfall, the receiving PHA may retroactively absorb families for which the receiving PHA was previously billing. In these cases, the receiving PHA reimburses the initial PHA for payments back to the effective date of the absorption but only for the current calendar year. This cost saving strategy is consistent with PIH Notice 2011-28, Cost- Savings Measures in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. Example: Changes in the Billing Amount 94 PIH Notice 2016-09(14)(e) 95 PIH Notice 2016-09(14)(e) 96 PIH Notice 2016-09(14)(e) 97 PIH Notice 2016-09(16)(a) Moves and Portability 25 Assume the billing amount changed effective October 1, 2019. The initial PHA did not receive the Form HUD-52665 reflecting the change and the HUD-50058 until January 10, 2020. Billing Amount Increases: Billing Amount Decreases: The initial PHA would not be responsible to pay The HAP amount decreased by $50, so the initial for any increase in the billing amount prior to PHA paid an additional $200 ($50 for October, the forthcoming monthly payment for February November, December, and January) and would 2018. offset this amount in future payments.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 7.4.1, retroactive absorptions of ported vouchers are generally prohibited, but a narrow administrative window allows a receiving Public Housing Authority (PHA) up to 10 business days after the effective absorption date to submit an updated Form HUD-52665, which can result in a limited retroactive effect. A specific exception exists when an initial PHA faces a funding shortfall and requests that a receiving PHA absorb ported vouchers to prevent terminations of assistance; in that scenario, retroactive absorption may extend back to the effective date, but only within the current calendar year. When billing amounts change, the timing of required form submissions determines which PHA bears financial responsibility for increases or decreases in Housing Assistance Payments.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section § 7.4.1 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook primarily governs the administrative relationship between PHAs rather than directly regulating private landlords, but property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program should be aware that portability procedures and billing changes can affect the timing and amount of HAP payments they receive. Operators who manage units occupied by ported-voucher holders generally maintain accurate records of any billing amount changes and track the submission of Form HUD-52665 to ensure payment continuity. Understanding the 10-business-day window and the funding-shortfall exception described in § 7.4.1 can help landlords anticipate and reconcile any payment adjustments tied to absorption timing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For voucher holders who have ported their Housing Choice Voucher to a new jurisdiction, § 7.4.1 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook provides important protections against abrupt terminations of assistance, particularly through the funding-shortfall exception that allows receiving PHAs to retroactively absorb families and preserve their housing assistance. Tenants whose assistance may be at risk due to a funding shortfall at their initial PHA have a recognized pathway under this provision through which the receiving PHA can step in and maintain continuity of benefits. Those who believe their assistance has been improperly terminated or disrupted during a portability transfer may wish to contact their receiving PHA directly, consult a local tenant-rights organization, or reach out to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for guidance on available remedies.
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.
Effective Timeline
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