Can you move with a Section 8 voucher? Porting to another city or state
If you have a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), you may be able to take it with you when you move to a new city or state. This guide explains how voucher portability works, what steps to take, and what to watch out for.
Key takeaways
- Housing Choice Vouchers may be able to move with you to a new city or state through a process called portability.
- You generally need to have lived in your current PHA's area for at least 12 months before porting, but rules vary by PHA.
- Deadlines matter — missing a voucher expiration date can cost you your assistance, so get every timeline in writing.
- No one should ever charge you money to port a voucher or get on a housing waitlist — that is a scam.
Moving to a new city or state is a big decision. If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, the good news is that you may not have to leave it behind.
The Housing Choice Voucher program — often called Section 8 — has a rule called 'portability.' This means your voucher may be able to travel with you to a new location. But there are steps to follow and timing rules to know before you pack a single box.
What is portability?
Portability is the federal rule that lets voucher holders move their housing assistance from one Public Housing Authority (PHA) area to another. Your original PHA is called the 'initial PHA.' The PHA in the new area is called the 'receiving PHA.' The two agencies work together to keep your assistance going.
Not every move qualifies right away. Federal rules generally require you to have lived in your current PHA's area for at least 12 months before you can port out. Some PHAs have different rules, so always check with your case worker first.
Why would someone port their voucher?
People move for all kinds of reasons — a new job, family, lower cost of living, or simply a fresh start. Porting can open up neighborhoods with better schools, shorter commutes, or more job opportunities. It can also be a path out of an area with very limited housing options.
How does the process work?
Here are the basic steps:
- Talk to your current PHA case worker and say you want to port your voucher.
- Get written confirmation of your request. Keep a copy.
- Your initial PHA contacts the receiving PHA in the area where you want to move.
- The receiving PHA sends you paperwork and a new voucher for their area.
- You search for housing that meets the receiving PHA's rules and passes their inspection.
The receiving PHA sets its own payment standards and rules. Your voucher amount may change based on the cost of housing in the new area. It could go up or down.
What about timing?
Timing matters a lot. Your current voucher has an expiration date. If you do not find housing before it expires, you could lose your assistance. Ask both PHAs exactly how much time you have at each step. Get those dates in writing.
Also ask whether the receiving PHA is currently 'absorbing' ports or 'billing' ports. These are two different ways the money flows between agencies. Either way, your assistance continues — but it helps to understand which applies to you so you know who to contact if a problem comes up.
What can go wrong?
A few common problems to watch for:
- Missing a deadline. Ask for every deadline in writing and set reminders on your phone.
- The receiving PHA has frozen incoming ports. Some PHAs temporarily stop accepting ported vouchers when they are low on funding. If this happens, talk to your initial PHA about your options.
- Landlords who do not accept vouchers. Some states and cities have laws requiring landlords to accept vouchers; others do not. Research your destination area ahead of time.
- Scams. No one should charge you money to help you port a voucher or get on a waitlist. If someone asks for payment, walk away and report it.
A note on waitlists
If you do not yet have a voucher, portability does not apply until you receive one. Waitlists for vouchers vary widely by area and may be closed in your location. Check with your local PHA or visit HUD.gov for information on your area.
Where to get help
Your best first call is always your current PHA case worker. You can also find your local PHA through HUD.gov. If you run into problems, a local housing counselor approved by HUD may be able to help you work through the process at no cost.
What this is
Why it matters
What it means for you
What to do next
Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
How long do I have to wait before I can port my voucher to another city?
Federal rules generally require you to have lived in your current PHA's area for at least 12 months before you can port out. Some PHAs have different rules, so check with your case worker to confirm the exact requirement for your voucher. Once you hit the eligibility mark, you can request to begin the porting process.
Will my voucher amount stay the same in the new city?
Not necessarily. Each PHA sets its own 'payment standard' based on local rent costs. Your assistance amount may go up or down depending on where you move. Ask the receiving PHA for their current payment standards before you commit to the move so there are no surprises.
What happens if the receiving PHA is not accepting ported vouchers right now?
Some PHAs temporarily pause incoming ports when they have limited funding. If this happens, go back to your initial PHA right away — they may be able to suggest alternative areas or help you understand your options. Do not assume the situation is permanent; funding and policies can change.
Can a landlord in my new city refuse to accept my ported voucher?
In some states and cities, landlords are legally required to accept Housing Choice Vouchers. In others, they are not. Research the laws in the area where you plan to move before you go, so you know what to expect when searching for a unit. Your receiving PHA may also have a list of landlords who work with vouchers.
What if my voucher expires before I find housing in the new city?
Expired vouchers can mean a loss of assistance, which is why tracking deadlines is so important. If you are running low on time, contact both the initial and receiving PHA immediately and ask whether an extension is possible. PHAs sometimes grant extensions in certain situations, but there is no guarantee, so act quickly rather than waiting.
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