How to Use Housing Vouchers to Move Between Counties in Maryland

Considering a move to another county in Maryland with your Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)? The process is called "portability" and, while it offers flexibility to renters, it also involves several important steps, forms, and requirements. Understanding how voucher portability works in Maryland can empower you to make informed decisions and secure stable, affordable housing in your new county.

Understanding Voucher Portability in Maryland

Housing Choice Vouchers (also known as Section 8 vouchers) give you freedom to rent a home in the private market and receive rental assistance. Portability lets eligible voucher holders transfer ("port") their assistance from their current county to another. This can be helpful if you need to move for work, family, school, or better housing options. The process in Maryland is governed by federal rules and administered by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). For complete details, see HUD's official Housing Choice Voucher Fact Sheet.

Who Can Use Portability?

To transfer your voucher to another county in Maryland, you must:

• Contact your current Public Housing Agency (PHA) and request portability approval
• Have an active voucher in good standing
• Meet any local requirements, such as a minimum initial residency period

If you received your voucher from a Maryland PHA, you typically must live in that PHA's jurisdiction for at least 12 months before moving elsewhere, unless you were already a resident when you applied.^[1]

Portability: Step-By-Step Process

Moving your voucher between counties involves communication between two PHAs: your "initial PHA" (current county) and the "receiving PHA" (where you want to move).

1. Notify Your PHA and Request Portability

• Tell your housing specialist you wish to use portability.
• Complete the necessary paperwork (see forms below).

2. Portability Forms and Key Documents

• HUD Form 52665: Family Portability Information
  When used: Required whenever transferring ("porting") a voucher between PHAs.
  How to use: Your current PHA completes this form after you request portability and sends it to the receiving PHA to officially start your transfer.
  Download HUD Form 52665
• Voucher Transfer/Portability Request (County-Specific Form)
  When used: Many Maryland PHAs require their own transfer forms.
  Example: The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) requires the "HABC Portability Request Form" if moving out of Baltimore.
  See HABC Portability Request Form

Your caseworker or housing specialist can guide you to the correct form for your county.

3. Wait for PHA Coordination

• The receiving PHA reviews your paperwork and informs you about their local process, including briefings and income verification.
• Processing may take several weeks. Stay in touch with both PHAs to avoid delays.

4. Attend Briefing & Submit Additional Documents (Receiving County)

• Most receiving PHAs require you to attend a "voucher briefing" to review their rules and search process. Bring required documents such as ID, income proof, and family details.

5. Find Housing and Complete Lease Steps

• Search for eligible housing in the new county (the PHA will tell you approved rent amounts).
• Your voucher subsidy is processed under the receiving county's payment standards.
• Once you secure a new unit, your new landlord completes paperwork with the receiving PHA.

Useful Action Steps for Maryland Renters

While the process may seem complicated, staying organized and proactive can help. Here's a simplified overview of what to do:

• Contact your current PHA's voucher coordinator for their specific portability requirements
• Complete and submit the necessary HUD and local transfer forms
• Maintain copies of all paperwork and correspondence
• Check with the receiving PHA about eligibility, available units, and their timeline
• Follow up if you do not hear back within expected timeframes

Maryland Housing Law and Authority

Voucher programs and tenant protections in Maryland are authorized under federal law and the Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8: Landlord and Tenant.^[2] Each county’s PHA manages local logistics. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (MD DHCD) coordinates voucher assistance statewide, while the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides federal oversight.

If disputes arise or you need to challenge a housing agency's decision, Maryland renters seek resolution with the District Court of Maryland (Landlord-Tenant Cases).^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I move my Section 8 voucher to any county in Maryland?
   Yes, as long as the receiving county has a Public Housing Agency that administers vouchers and you meet all residency and paperwork requirements.
2. What happens if my new county has a different payment standard?
   Your rental assistance amount will adjust to the local payment standards of the new county. This could affect how much rent you are responsible for.
3. How long does the voucher transfer process take?
   It can take several weeks, depending on processing times and how quickly documentation is exchanged between PHAs.
4. What if my transfer request is denied?
   You have the right to request an informal hearing with your PHA if you believe a decision is incorrect or unfair. Contact your PHA for the appeal process.
5. Where do I file complaints about housing agencies in Maryland?
   You can file complaints or seek assistance through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development or the District Court of Maryland (Landlord-Tenant division).

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Moving your voucher to another Maryland county is possible with preparation. Remember to:

• Start early and keep close contact with both your current and future PHAs
• Complete all required transfer forms and keep documentation
• Understand that each county's payment standards and requirements may differ

With the right steps, you can make a successful transition and maintain your housing assistance throughout Maryland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Maryland: Local Rental Assistance Resources
• Maryland Public Housing Agencies Directory
• Maryland District Court: Guide to Legal Help
• People's Law Library of Maryland: Housing Resources

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1. HUD on Housing Choice Voucher Portability
2. Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8: Landlord and Tenant
3. Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Resources

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