Moving with a Housing Choice Voucher Between Louisiana Counties

Thinking about moving to a different county in Louisiana while using a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)? Understanding your rights and the correct process can help ensure your rental assistance continues smoothly.

Understanding Voucher Portability in Louisiana

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, often called Section 8, allows eligible renters to receive help with rent payments. If you want to move to another county in Louisiana, you may be able to transfer or 'port' your voucher. This process is called portability.

Portability means you can use your voucher anywhere in the U.S. where a Public Housing Agency (PHA) is operating the program, including other counties in Louisiana. However, there are specific rules, forms, and timelines to follow.

Eligibility to Transfer Your Voucher

Not all voucher holders can move right away. You can transfer your voucher if:

• You have lived in your current jurisdiction for at least 12 months (or meet other transfer criteria).
• Your lease obligations and program requirements have been satisfied.
• You follow proper notice requirements for your current landlord and PHA.

Key Steps to Using Your Voucher in a New Louisiana County

Moving with your voucher can seem complicated, but following each step helps prevent delays or interruptions in your rental assistance.

1. Notify Your Current PHA: Tell your current Public Housing Agency (PHA) in writing that you want to move. Each PHA may have its own notification form or procedure.
2. Complete a Request to Move: Your PHA may require you to fill out a specific form, like the HUD Family Portability Information Form (Form HUD-52665). This helps transfer your case to the new county's PHA.
3. Provide Required Documents: You may need to provide copies of your current lease, family income, and identification documents.
4. Contact the Receiving PHA: You (and your current PHA) must coordinate with the PHA in your chosen county. Use the HUD PHA Contact List to find official contact details.
5. Follow Both PHAs’ Instructions: Both PHAs will give you deadlines and forms, including those for income verification and lease agreements.

Official Forms for Portability Moves in Louisiana

• HUD Family Portability Information Form (HUD-52665): Used by your initial PHA to send your information to the receiving PHA when you are porting your voucher.
  Download form and instructions here.
  Example: If you are moving from Baton Rouge to Lafayette, your housing worker will complete HUD-52665 with details about your household and send it to the new county's PHA.
• PHA Move/Transfer Request Forms: While HUD provides standard federal forms, local PHAs may also have their own move request or authorization forms. Check with your local agency for any additional paperwork.
  Find Louisiana PHAs here.

It's important to act promptly and maintain close communication with both your current and new PHA to avoid any gaps in your rental subsidy.

Louisiana's Laws Protecting Voucher Holders

Tenant-landlord rights in Louisiana are covered mainly by the Louisiana Civil Code - Leases and Rents. While the state does not have a specialized residential tenancy tribunal, disputes or violations may be brought before the appropriate Louisiana court system.

Tip: Always provide official written notice and keep copies of all documents exchanged during your voucher transfer.

What if You Have Issues During the Move?

If you face any delays, denials, or disagreements about your voucher transfer between counties:

• Contact your current and new PHA first to resolve the issue informally.
• If the problem continues, request their formal complaint process or consider filing in local civil court if rights are denied.
• You may also seek guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health or housing counselors listed by HUD.

Keep all communication written and dated, and never miss deadlines required by your PHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I move with my voucher anywhere in Louisiana?
   Yes, if you have met program requirements, you can typically use your Housing Choice Voucher in any parish (county) with a participating PHA.
2. How long does a portability move take?
   The process usually takes 30-60 days, depending on how quickly both PHAs process paperwork and your ability to find a new landlord.
3. Do I need to reapply for assistance when I move?
   No. You do not have to reapply, but you must complete all transfer paperwork and coordinate with both PHAs.
4. What happens if my voucher expires before moving in?
   Contact the new PHA immediately—extensions may be possible, but you must request them before the voucher expires.

Key Takeaways

• Portability allows Louisiana renters with Housing Choice Vouchers to move between counties, but strict steps and paperwork are required.
• Always notify your PHA in writing and use official HUD and local forms to start the transfer process.
• Louisiana law protects basic tenant rights; seek help early if problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Public Housing Agencies Directory – Find your local PHA for guidance and forms.
• Louisiana Department of Health: Housing Resources – Assistance and advocacy programs.
• HUD Louisiana Renting Page – Official federal resources.
• Legal questions about landlord-tenant disputes? Contact the Louisiana court system for civil claims.
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – For discrimination or voucher denial issues.

---

1. Housing Choice Voucher Program - Section 8
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – PHA Contact List
3. Louisiana Civil Code - Leases (Title IX, Book III, Articles 2668 et seq.)
4. Louisiana Supreme Court – Courts in Louisiana
5. HUD-52665 Family Portability Information Form

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations