How to Use Housing Choice Vouchers to Move Between Counties in Hawaii

Hawaii renters who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program may want to move to a different county—for work, family, or simply to find a better home. The good news is that the federal voucher program allows portability, but the process can feel confusing. This guide explains, in plain language, how Hawaii renters can transfer their voucher when moving between counties, including key forms, agencies, and legal rights.

Understanding Voucher Portability in Hawaii

The Housing Choice Voucher program (commonly known as Section 8) provides rental assistance to low-income families and individuals. In Hawaii, the program is run both by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) and local county housing agencies. "Portability" means you can use your voucher to move outside your initial housing agency’s service area—including to other counties.

Which Agency Handles Vouchers?

Depending on where you live, your voucher may be managed by the HPHA or by a county-level agency. For example:

• HPHA - Statewide
• City & County of Honolulu Department of Community Services
• County of Maui Housing Division
• County of Hawaii Office of Housing & Community Development
• County of Kauai Housing Agency

It’s important to work closely with your current—and your destination—housing agency for smooth processing.

How to Move Your Voucher to Another County

To move with your voucher, you need to formally request portability. Here’s an overview of the steps and forms involved:

• Contact your current housing agency and notify them in writing of your intent to move.
• Request the portability process and specify the receiving county (and its housing agency, if known).
• Submit the required forms (see below).
• Your current agency (the "initial Public Housing Agency" or "initial PHA") will communicate with the "receiving PHA" in the new county.
• The receiving agency will process your eligibility and may conduct a briefing before you search for housing.

Processing can take several weeks, so begin early and keep track of all paperwork.

Key Official Forms: What Renters Need

• Request to Move Packet (HPHA Form 534)
  This form is required by HPHA when you want to move with your voucher, and is also used to request portability.
  When/how to use: After meeting eligibility (generally, a year in your current unit and compliance with program rules), fill this out and submit to your housing office. State where you want to move. Download the HPHA Request to Move Packet.
• HUD Form 52665: Family Portability Information
  This is the federal form used between housing agencies to process your voucher transfer.
  When/how to use: You won’t fill this out directly yourself, but your initial agency will complete it and send it to the receiving agency. Consider asking for a copy for your records. See HUD Family Portability Form.
• Tenant Rent Certification or Re-examination Forms
  A receiving agency in the new county will likely require updated income documents and tenant certification. You’ll be guided on these forms by the new housing agency.

These steps ensure a smooth transfer and avoid gaps in rental assistance. Always keep a copy of your forms and official correspondence.

Action Steps: Making Your Voucher Move Happen

• Contact your current housing agency early—ideally at least 60 days before your intended move.
• Submit a written "Request to Move" or portability request. Use the official HPHA or county-specific form.
• Finish your required lease term and comply with all existing voucher program rules.
• Participate in any briefing or eligibility update required by your new county agency.
• Once approved, search for a rental in the new county that accepts vouchers, and complete the landlord approval process.

Tenant Rights and Appeals

Tenancy and housing assistance in Hawaii are governed by the Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 515 (Discrimination in Real Property Transactions) and Chapter 521 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Code)¹. If you believe your request to move is unfairly denied, or you encounter discrimination because of your voucher, you may file a complaint or request an informal hearing.

• Disputes about HPHA decisions (on voucher moves) can be addressed through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s informal review/hearing process.
• For housing discrimination due to voucher status, contact the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission.
• For broader landlord-tenant disputes, the appropriate tribunal is the District Court of Hawaii (handling summary possession/eviction cases).

Act quickly, as many appeal or review timelines are strict—usually within 10-14 days of a denial.

FAQ: Moving Vouchers Between Counties in Hawaii

1. Can I move to a different county in Hawaii with my voucher?
   Yes, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Hawaii generally allow for portability. Confirm your eligibility with your current housing agency and follow the required steps.
2. Is there a waiting period before I can move?
   Most participants must live in their current county for at least 12 months before using portability. Check your specific program rules.
3. What if my new county’s payment standards are different?
   Your rent assistance may change based on the new county or area’s payment standards. Be sure to get an estimate from your receiving housing agency before committing to a new rental.
4. Who do I contact for help if my portability request is denied?
   You have the right to request an informal review with HPHA or the local county agency. You can also reach out to Hawaii’s legal aid services or the Civil Rights Commission for discrimination concerns.
5. Are there official forms I need to fill out?
   Yes. The main form is the Request to Move Packet or your local agency’s portability request form. Some paperwork will be handled between agencies, but keep copies for your records.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

• You have the right to request voucher portability to another county in Hawaii, but you must follow each agency’s procedures and timelines.
• Submit all forms in writing and keep records of your communication for smoother processing.
• If denied or delayed, request an appeal and seek support from your local housing agency or tenant advocacy resources.

Moving with your rental voucher requires planning, paperwork, and persistence—but Hawaii law supports your right to use assistance anywhere in the state, provided you meet the requirements.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) – Main site with forms, policies, and updates
• District Court of Hawaii – Landlord/Tenant Claims and Evictions (handles related disputes and appeals)
• Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (discrimination complaints and fair housing)
• Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (free legal help for eligible renters)
• HUD Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Fact Sheet (federal guidelines)

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1. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 515: Discrimination in Real Property Transactions
2. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
3. Hawaii Public Housing Authority – Official Website
4. District Court of Hawaii – Landlord-Tenant Division

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