Moving to a Different Unit
on the Section 8 Program
One of the best features of
the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is that your housing assistance
is portable. After the initial 12-month lease term, you can move to a different
unit anywhere in the country and your voucher goes with you.
Moving to Another Unit in King County
If you want to move to an apartment or other rental property in King County,
outside incorporated Seattle and Renton, KCHA will continue to administer your
voucher. Just follow the steps below.
Information for those planning to move to a unit outside KCHA's jurisdiction
To guarantee a smooth transition, it is best to begin this procedure 30 days
before you plan to move. It is your responsibility to see that each step has
been completed on time.
STEP 1: NOTIFY BOTH THE LANDLORD AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY of your intent to
move, in writing, stating the address of your current unit, along with the date
you will be vacating the unit. You must give notice at least 20 days prior to
the end of the month, stating you will vacate by the last day of the month. Both
you and the landlord must sign the notice.
STEP 2: COMPLETE A MOVING PACKET. This will be given when you supply KCHA
with the notice to move. You return the packet to KCHA – with all required verification – including
income, assets and childcare expenses.
STEP 3: SIGN THE NEW VOUCHER. Upon completion of the moving packet and after
eligibility has been determined, you will be issued a new voucher. The voucher
will only be considered valid when signed by both a KCHA representative and you.
STEP 4: SUBMIT A “REQUEST FOR TENANCY APPROVAL” FORM completed
by the landlord of the unit to which you want to move. Once this is received,
a
housing inspector will schedule an inspection with the landlord. Do not move
into the unit before the unit passes the inspection, as housing assistance
will not begin until the unit has been approved.
STEP 5: VACATE YOUR CURRENT UNIT ON THE DATE STATED IN YOUR NOTICE TO MOVE and
turn in the keys to the landlord. Make sure to get a receipt from the landlord
stating the date the keys were returned.
Moving to a Unit Administered by Another Housing Authority
Section 8 Portability
allows you to move to a unit outside the area served by KCHA and take your
voucher with you. You are eligible for Section 8 portability
if you either lived in the King County Housing Authority jurisdiction when
you first applied for a voucher or you have lived in your current unit
on the Section 8 program longer than 12 months. If you are eligible, you can
move anywhere in the country a Section 8 program exists.
Portability allows
you to move closer to possible job, education or other opportunities. However,
once you’re in a different housing authority’s jurisdiction,
their rules apply. Another housing authority’s payment standards
may be different, changing the rental limits for eligible units. Also be
aware
your bedroom size may change due to a difference in subsidy standards.
You will need to sign a portability release form, allowing us to forward
your paperwork to the housing authority operating where you intend to
move. Since
each housing authority has different procedures for handling portables,
you should contact the new housing authority for more information when
you arrive
there. To allow for delivery of your paperwork, wait five to seven days
before calling the new housing authority.