Applicants

HCV Program Basics

The Housing Choice Voucher program, HCV program commonly referred to as “Section 8”, provides rental assistance to eligible families. HCV offers eligible families the choice to rent anywhere in the public housing authority’s (PHA) jurisdiction. Portability of HCV also allows households to move to another PHA’s area. When a family is determined to be eligible and funding is available, the PHA issues the family a voucher. When the family finds suitable housing, that passes inspection, the PHA will enter into a contract with the owner/landlord. The family will enter into a lease with the landlord/owner. The PHA and the family will make their determined payments directly to the landlord/owner. The HCV program requires assisted families to pay at least 30% of adjusted monthly income for rent.

Landlord Lease-Up Process

Landlord Initial Inspection

Portability

“Portability” in the HCV program allows families to transfer or “port” their rental subsidy location outside the service area that issued their voucher.

New families may not be able to port immediately and may have to live in the issuing jurisdiction for a year. Initial PHAs may allow moves during this one-year period.

Initial PHAs -The PHA that first gave the voucher to the individual when they were selected for the program.
Receiving PHAs– The agency that will administer assistance in the area to which the individual moves.

How Portability Works PDF

Resources

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