Guide to Moving to Another County in Kentucky with Housing Vouchers

If you’re living in Kentucky and have a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), you may want to move to another county—perhaps for job changes, better schools, or family reasons. Kentucky law and federal rules allow voucher holders to use a process called portability to transfer their assistance within the state or anywhere in the U.S. This guide explains how portability works in Kentucky, what steps you need to take, which forms to use, and where to get official support along the way.

Understanding Portability: Moving with a Section 8 Voucher

Portability is a federal feature of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program that allows you to move your rental assistance to another jurisdiction. In Kentucky, this commonly means moving your voucher from one county’s housing agency to another’s.

• You must follow both your current ("initial") housing agency's rules and the new ("receiving") agency's policies.
• Most HCV vouchers in Kentucky are administered by public housing authorities (PHAs) or the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC).

Are You Eligible to Move?

Generally, if you’ve lived in your current county for at least 12 months and your lease is ending (or can be terminated properly), you may use portability to move. If your circumstances change—such as becoming a victim of domestic violence—you may qualify for an exception. Always check your lease terms and consult your local PHA or the KHC.

How Do You Move Your Voucher to Another County?

Moving your voucher requires communication and paperwork between your current and future housing agencies. Here’s a straightforward summary of the typical process in Kentucky:

• Notify your current housing agency (local PHA or KHC) in writing that you want to move and use portability.
• Complete required forms and submit documentation (see below for official forms).
• Your current agency will send your records to the receiving agency in your new county.
• The receiving agency will schedule a meeting with you, review your eligibility, and provide a new voucher if all conditions are met.
• You must find a qualifying rental in the new county within the deadlines set by the voucher program.

Key Forms for Kentucky Renters Using Voucher Portability

Be sure to complete all required official forms to ensure your move is processed correctly.

• Request to Move Form (used by both KHC and most local PHAs)
  • When/How: Submit this form to your current agency as soon as you know you want to move. Example: Maria, a Lexington voucher holder, fills out the form before her lease ends to request transfer to Jefferson County.
  • Official KHC Request to Move/Portability Form
• Portability Transfer Packet (varies by agency)
  • When/How: If required, you’ll complete this additional packet once your move is approved. Example: The Louisville Metro Housing Authority asks voucher holders to fill out this packet before accepting incoming transfers.
  • Louisville Metro Housing Authority Portability Packet
• Notice to Vacate Form
  • When/How: Give a signed notice to your current landlord to end your lease properly. Example: You submit this notice 30 days before moving, as required by most leases in Kentucky.
  • Kentucky HCV Notice to Vacate Form

Which Agency Handles Rental Assistance and Disputes in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) oversees the Housing Choice Voucher program statewide, but many local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) administer vouchers directly. If you have disputes about your lease, rent, or rights, Kentucky’s rental laws are enforced by Kentucky District Courts.

For more information on tenant legal rights, see the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which applies in participating counties.^[1]

Action Steps: Moving Your Voucher to Another County

• Review your current lease and confirm you’re eligible for portability (usually after 12 months of residency).
• Contact your local PHA or the Kentucky Housing Corporation to discuss your plans.
• Fill out official request forms (see links above), including the Notice to Vacate for your landlord if required.
• Work with the receiving county’s housing authority to complete intake procedures and get your voucher re-issued.
• Find a qualified rental property in the new county and meet all move-in criteria.
• Keep copies of all paperwork and record communication with housing authorities for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I move with my Housing Choice Voucher before my lease is up?
   Generally, you need to complete your original 12-month lease or get landlord approval to move early. Exceptions may apply for specific circumstances, such as emergency or safety needs. Contact your PHA to discuss your situation.
2. Do all Kentucky counties accept incoming vouchers?
   No, not every county or housing authority in Kentucky administers the HCV program. Check with your destination county's PHA or the Kentucky Housing Corporation before moving.
3. What happens if I can’t find a rental in the new county before my voucher expires?
   You must use your voucher within the deadline set by the receiving agency, usually 60-120 days. You can request an extension for good cause, but if you don’t secure housing, your assistance could be at risk.
4. Will my rental subsidy amount change if I move?
   Possibly—subsidy amounts are based on the payment standards and rent limits in your new county, which may be higher or lower than your previous location.
5. Where should I file a complaint if my rights aren’t respected during the move?
   You can contact your receiving PHA, Kentucky Housing Corporation, or file in Kentucky District Courts under state tenant law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Kentucky renters can move between counties with their Housing Choice Vouchers, but must follow federal, state, and local rules.
• Timely completion of official forms and notification of both housing agencies is essential for a smooth move.
• Contact your local PHA or the Kentucky Housing Corporation for guidance at every step.

With careful planning and by following the correct procedure, you can successfully use your voucher to relocate within Kentucky.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) – HCV/Section 8 Information
• List of Kentucky Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) from HUD
• Kentucky District Courts – Resolving Rental Disputes
• Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)

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1. Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)
2. Kentucky Housing Corporation – Housing Choice Voucher Program
3. Kentucky District Courts – Tenant and Landlord Law Information
4. HUD – Section 8 Portability Overview

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