How Iowa Renters Can Use Housing Vouchers to Move Counties

Moving with a housing voucher, such as Section 8, can help Iowa renters find more affordable or suitable housing in a new county. Understanding the rules and procedures will help you protect your rights and maximize your rental assistance while making a smooth transition.

Understanding Housing Vouchers and Portability in Iowa

Housing Choice Vouchers (commonly called Section 8) let eligible renters pay part of their rent, with the rest subsidized by the government. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another area that also participates in the program—sometimes even a different county or state.

In Iowa, local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer vouchers. Before moving to a new county, you must follow your PHA's process for "porting" or transferring your voucher. This helps keep your benefits and avoid gaps in assistance.

Who Handles Voucher Transfers?

Each county has its own PHA. For example, the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) operates statewide, and local PHAs are listed on HUD's Iowa PHA list. The agency in your new county will take over once you move.

Steps to Use Your Voucher in Another Iowa County

The process for moving your voucher is called "portability." It means moving your assistance to a new county without losing your spot or being dropped from the program. Here’s what you should do:

• Let your current PHA know you want to move (submit a written notice)
• Meet all current lease and program requirements (like giving proper notice to your landlord)
• Your PHA will explain if any additional documents or steps are needed
• Your current PHA will send your paperwork to the PHA in your new county
• Work with the new county’s PHA to complete the eligibility and intake process
• Find a rental that accepts Section 8 in the new county
• Sign a new lease and complete inspection requirements

This process can take time, so plan your move carefully and keep in touch with both agencies. Missing a deadline can cause delays in your rental assistance.

Required Forms and How to Use Them

Here are the main forms involved in transferring a housing voucher to another Iowa county:

• Notice of Intent to Vacate/Move (No official state form—ask your PHA for their required form or template):
  When? File this when you’re planning to move.
  How? Give written notice to both your landlord and current PHA. For example, if your lease requires 30 days’ notice, make sure your notice matches that timeline. Most PHAs have a sample notice you can use—check their website or contact them directly.
• HUD-52665: Family Portability Information Form
  When? Completed by your PHA after you notify them of your move.
  How? Your current PHA fills this out and sends it directly to the receiving (new county) PHA. This form handles all your program eligibility transfer information.
  See HUD-52665
• PHA Transfer Packet
  When? You may need to complete additional paperwork required by the new PHA, such as updated income information or a new application.
  How? The new county's PHA will provide this directly. For example, the Iowa Finance Authority’s program page includes contact points and forms for their process.

What If I Run into Problems?

If you face issues, like a delay with your paperwork or you believe your rights are not being respected, you can contact your local PHA's grievance procedure or reach out to the Iowa Finance Authority.

Legal Protections and Tenant Rights

Iowa renters are protected under the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines.

Most voucher moves do not require you to requalify unless your circumstances have changed. All tenant rights and rules—such as notice periods and property standards—apply when changing units or counties.

• HUD’s official HCV guidance
• Iowa Finance Authority Housing Choice Voucher Program

Disputes or unresolved problems can be reported to the HUD Fair Housing complaint system or to the Iowa Finance Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I move anywhere in Iowa with my Housing Choice Voucher?
   Most areas—urban and rural—participate in the program, but check that your new county’s PHA has a Section 8 program. The HUD PHA list for Iowa helps you check eligibility.
2. How much notice do I need to give before moving?
   Typically, you must provide written notice to your PHA and current landlord at least 30 days before your intended move date, but check your lease for the specific requirement.
3. What if my voucher is denied by the new county’s PHA?
   If you meet the program rules and deadlines, denial is rare. If you are denied, you have a right to request a hearing and can appeal via the PHA’s grievance procedure or contact the Iowa Finance Authority.
4. Will I have to find a new landlord?
   Yes, you’ll need to find a rental property in the new county that accepts Section 8 vouchers and passes required inspections.
5. Will my rent portion change after moving?
   Your household income, family size, and the new area’s payment standards may result in a change. The new PHA reviews this once you move.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Iowa Finance Authority Housing Choice Voucher program – 515-452-0400 / hcv@iowafinance.com
• U.S. HUD Housing Choice Voucher information
• HUD Iowa PHA Contact Directory
• Iowa Legal Aid – Housing Issues
• Iowa Attorney General: Tenants’ Rights

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1. Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Iowa Finance Authority: Housing Choice Voucher Program
3. HUD-52665: Family Portability Information Form
4. HUD: Public Housing Agency Contacts in Iowa
5. HUD: Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program

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