How to Use a Housing Voucher to Move Counties in Massachusetts

For Massachusetts renters wanting to move with their housing voucher (such as Section 8) to another county, the process has clear steps and important eligibility rules. Moving across county lines can give you access to more affordable housing or bring you closer to family, work, or resources. This guide explains how voucher portability works in Massachusetts, which forms you’ll need, and where to get help—all in clear language, updated for this year.

Understanding Housing Vouchers and Portability

Housing Choice Vouchers (sometimes called Section 8) help renters by covering part of their rent. In Massachusetts, these vouchers are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), and "portability" means your voucher may transfer to another county or state.

• Portability lets you move outside the area where your voucher was issued, if certain requirements are met
• Not all vouchers are portable—state-only or project-based assistance may be limited to a specific building or town

Basic Requirements to Move with Your Voucher

To use your voucher in a different Massachusetts county, ensure:

• Your voucher is a portable type (usually Housing Choice/Section 8—not always MRVP or project-based)
• You’ve lived in your current jurisdiction for at least 12 months, unless your PHA waives this
• You’re in good standing with your current PHA—no serious lease or program violations

Step-by-Step: Moving with Your Voucher to a New County

Porting your voucher to a new area means official paperwork and communication between multiple PHAs. Here’s what you should do:

• Contact your current PHA’s voucher office (find yours at the Massachusetts Public Housing Agency Directory), and tell them you want to move using portability
• Submit a written request (most PHAs will provide a Portability Request Form—check with yours)
• Your PHA confirms your eligibility and forwards your paperwork to the receiving PHA in the new county
• The receiving PHA contacts you to schedule an interview and review your voucher details
• Find approved housing in the new county and complete the lease and inspection steps

Key Official Forms for Massachusetts Renters

• Portability Request Form
  • When to use: When you want to move with your voucher to another PHA or county in Massachusetts
  • How to use: Request this form directly from your local PHA or download from your PHA’s official page
• HUD Form 52665: Family Portability Information
  • When to use: The PHA, not the tenant, fills out this form to transfer your case file to the new county
  • Learn more on HUD’s official form instructions
• Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) – HUD Form 52517
  • When to use: After you choose a rental in the new county, the landlord completes this form to start inspection/approval
  • Download on HUD’s official site

Remember: Always coordinate moves with both your current and new PHA. If you move without approval, you could lose your voucher.

Massachusetts Tenancy Laws for Renters Using Vouchers

Your rights as a renter are protected under the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 (Landlord and Tenant).¹ Anti-discrimination rules prevent landlords from refusing vouchers; if you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).

Who Handles Voucher and Tenancy Disputes?

• Massachusetts Housing Court oversees eviction cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and housing discrimination cases in the state.
• For PHA-related complaints or issues with voucher portability, contact the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) here.

Summary: Moving with a voucher is a legal right (with certain conditions), but you must carefully follow procedures to safeguard your benefits and housing stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my Section 8 voucher anywhere in Massachusetts?
   Most Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers are portable statewide, as long as you meet eligibility rules like the 12-month residency requirement. Always check with your PHA before planning a move.
2. What if my landlord in the new county refuses to accept my voucher?
   Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from refusing vouchers. You can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination if you believe you’ve been discriminated against.
3. How long does it take to move my voucher to another county?
   The process usually takes 30–60 days, depending on housing availability, inspections, and inter-agency communication. Start early and coordinate with both PHAs.
4. Will my voucher amount change if I move to a new county?
   The value may be adjusted based on local rent standards in the new county. Your receiving PHA will determine the subsidy amount.
5. What happens if I move without PHA approval?
   If you move without following voucher portability rules or PHA approval, you risk losing your rental assistance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Massachusetts Voucher Holders

• You can use a portable voucher to move counties, but must follow PHA and HUD procedures
• Use official forms, keep records, and communicate with both your current and future PHA
• Massachusetts law protects you from discrimination for using a voucher

Planning and following the process carefully will ensure a smoother move and continued rental assistance benefits.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts PHA Directory – Find your local voucher office
• Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) – Voucher program info and eligibility
• Massachusetts Housing Court – Handle tenancy and eviction cases
• Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination – Report voucher discrimination

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1. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 – Landlord and Tenant Law
2. HUD Housing Choice Voucher Fact Sheet
3. Massachusetts Public Housing Agency Directory
4. Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
5. Massachusetts Housing Court – Official Site

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