When to Use This Letter
Use this letter if you have a housing voucher and want to move to a different state, county, or jurisdiction. Voucher portability allows you to transfer your assistance and use it in a new location, rather than losing it when you move.
Common reasons to use portability:
- You're moving to another state for a job or family reasons
- You want to move to a lower-cost area
- You need to relocate for safety or health reasons
- You want to move closer to family or support services
- You have a job opportunity in another jurisdiction
Your right to use a voucher elsewhere is called "portability" under the Housing Choice Voucher program. This letter requests to transfer your voucher to a new Public Housing Authority (PHA). Act quickly—there may be waiting lists or timing restrictions depending on how long you've held your voucher.
Pro Tips
- Check portability policies. Contact your current PHA before moving. Ask about portability rules and whether there are restrictions in the new jurisdiction.
- Contact the new PHA early. Reach out to the receiving PHA to find out their process and timeline for accepting portability transfers.
- Don't break your lease early. Make sure your move-out aligns with your lease. You need to inform your landlord at the proper time.
- Keep documentation. Keep your voucher paperwork, current lease, and all correspondence about the portability request.
- Follow timelines carefully. Some PHAs have specific windows for portability. Don't miss deadlines or you may lose your voucher.
Template Letter
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[YOUR PHONE]
[DATE]
[CURRENT PHA NAME]
Housing Choice Voucher Program
[CURRENT PHA ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
Re: Request for Voucher Portability Transfer
Participant: [YOUR NAME]
Voucher Number: [YOUR VOUCHER NUMBER]
Current Address: [YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS]
Dear [PHA DIRECTOR / HOUSING PROGRAM MANAGER]:
I am writing to request a transfer of my Housing Choice Voucher through the portability provision of the voucher program. I am currently a voucher holder with [CURRENT PHA NAME] and wish to move to [NEW CITY/STATE].
Current Voucher Information:
- Participant Name: [YOUR NAME]
- Voucher Number: [YOUR VOUCHER NUMBER]
- Current Address: [YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS]
- Household Size: [NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD]
- Months Held: [NUMBER OF MONTHS YOU'VE HAD THE VOUCHER]
Intended Portability Move:
I intend to move to [CITY], [STATE] and will use my Housing Choice Voucher there. My move date is [PLANNED MOVE DATE]. I am requesting that my voucher be transferred to the [RECEIVING PHA NAME] for continued assistance.
Reason for Move:
[BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR REASON: family relocation, employment opportunity, access to services, safety, etc. EXAMPLE: I have secured employment in [CITY] and will be relocating with my family.]
I understand that portability transfers must comply with Housing Choice Voucher program regulations and the policies of both the receiving and sending PHAs. I request that you process this portability request according to program guidelines and provide me with information about:
- The timeline for processing my portability request
- Documentation needed from me
- Contact information for the receiving PHA in [STATE]
- Any restrictions or requirements I should be aware of
I am available to provide any additional information needed. Please contact me at [YOUR PHONE] or [YOUR EMAIL] to discuss the next steps in this process.
Thank you for your assistance with this portability transfer.
Sincerely,
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR PRINTED NAME]
What to Customize
- [YOUR NAME], [YOUR ADDRESS], etc.: Your contact information.
- [DATE]: Today's date.
- [CURRENT PHA NAME]: The name of your local Public Housing Authority (on your voucher documents).
- [CURRENT PHA ADDRESS]: The address of your PHA office.
- [YOUR VOUCHER NUMBER]: Your housing voucher number (on your voucher documents).
- [YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS]: Where you currently live.
- [PHA DIRECTOR / HOUSING PROGRAM MANAGER]: Use the name of the director or program manager if you have it; otherwise, "Housing Choice Voucher Program Manager" is fine.
- [NEW CITY/STATE]: Where you're moving.
- [NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD]: Count everyone in your household.
- [NUMBER OF MONTHS YOU'VE HAD THE VOUCHER]: Calculate from when you received it.
- [CITY], [STATE]: Your intended destination.
- [PLANNED MOVE DATE]: When you plan to move.
- [RECEIVING PHA NAME]: The name of the PHA in the jurisdiction you're moving to.
- [BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR REASON]: Short explanation of why you're moving.
Before You Send
- Call your PHA first. Ask about their portability process and requirements. Get the name and address of the person handling portability requests.
- Find the receiving PHA. Look up the Public Housing Authority in the jurisdiction you're moving to. You'll need their name and address.
- Check deadlines. Ask if there are specific windows for portability requests or timing restrictions.
- Gather documents. Have your voucher number, current lease, and move-out date ready.
Tips for Sending
- Send certified mail with return receipt. This proves the PHA received your request.
- Keep a copy. Keep a copy of the letter and return receipt.
- Follow up. Call within a week to confirm they received your request and ask about the timeline.
- Get everything in writing. Once your portability transfer is approved, get written confirmation from both your current PHA and the receiving PHA.
- Coordinate with your landlord. Give proper notice to your current landlord (usually 30 days) before moving.
- Contact the receiving PHA. Once you're approved for portability, work with the receiving PHA to find housing with your voucher in the new location.