How to Use Housing Choice Vouchers to Move to Another County in Nevada

Thinking about moving to another county in Nevada while keeping your rental assistance benefits? If you have a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), you may have the right to move and still receive rental help. Understanding the rules, required forms, and the Nevada housing system can help make your transition smooth and stress-free.

What Is Portability and How Does It Work in Nevada?

Portability is the official term for transferring your Housing Choice Voucher (HCV or Section 8) from one area to another. In Nevada, this lets you move from one county (such as Clark or Washoe) to another while continuing to receive rental assistance. Both your current housing authority and the new county's public housing agency must follow the regulations set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It’s important to start with your current agency before making any plans or signing a new lease.

Basic Process Summary

• Contact your current public housing authority (PHA) to request a move (portability).
• Complete required forms and give proper notice to your landlord.
• Your PHA sends your documentation to the receiving PHA in your new county.
• The receiving PHA reviews eligibility and issues you a voucher for your new area.
• You search and lease a new unit in your chosen Nevada county.

Key Legislation Protecting Your Rights

In Nevada, tenant rights—including voucher transfers—are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] Federal HUD regulations for portability also apply.

Required Forms for Portability Moves

Your Housing Authority will have administrative paperwork to record your intent and rights as a voucher holder. Here are the two most common forms and how they're used:

• Request for Portability Form
  • When to use it: When you decide to move to another county with your voucher.
  • How it's used: Fill this out and submit to your current PHA (for example, Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority or Reno Housing Authority). This gets the process started.
  • Access Southern Nevada Request for Portability
• Intent to Vacate / Notice to Landlord
  • When to use it: Before moving, you must give written notice to your current landlord. This is usually 30 days but check your lease for specifics.
  • How it's used: Written notice protects your tenant rights and helps avoid lease violations.
  • See NRS 118A.340: Notice Requirements

Practical Example for Renters

Suppose you live in Las Vegas with a voucher and want to move to Reno for a job. You notify the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and submit the Request for Portability. You also give your current landlord a written notice to vacate. The housing authority transfers your paperwork to the Reno Housing Authority, which then works with you to issue the voucher in the new county.

Which Agencies Handle Your Case?

Official agencies administer the Housing Choice Voucher program in Nevada. For most renters, these are:

• Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA)
• Reno Housing Authority
• Carson City Housing Authority

If you need to challenge a PHA decision, you can request an informal hearing, as set out by the housing authority's procedures and under Nevada law.

Summary of the Main Steps

Moving with your voucher can be a smooth process if you follow these key steps:

• Contact your current housing authority early to confirm your eligibility and intent to move.
• Submit the Request for Portability form.
• Give your landlord the required written notice to vacate.
• Provide all documents your new county’s PHA requires.
• Wait for official approval and your new voucher before renting a new place.

This maintains your benefits and legal protections throughout your move.

FAQ: Using Section 8 Vouchers to Move Counties in Nevada

1. Can I move to any county in Nevada with my Housing Choice Voucher?
   Yes, if your voucher is active and your lease/lease term allows, federal rules permit you to use your Section 8 voucher anywhere in the U.S., including any county in Nevada, as long as your income and household eligibility remain valid.
2. What happens if my current housing authority says I can’t move yet?
   They may require you to complete your full lease term or address any outstanding issues (like unpaid rent), as stated in HUD portability rules. You can request an informal hearing if you disagree.
3. Do I need to submit any official forms to move my voucher?
   Yes. You must submit a Request for Portability form to your current housing authority, then provide the receiving PHA with any necessary paperwork before you move and sign a new lease.
4. When should I give notice to my landlord if I plan to move?
   Nevada law usually requires a 30-day written notice before moving. Check your lease and submit your notice promptly to avoid legal issues.
5. Who decides if my voucher is still valid in the new area?
   The receiving (new) public housing authority will review your eligibility and household details before issuing your voucher for the new county.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

• Start the portability process early and stay in touch with both housing authorities.
• Submit all required forms and give your landlord proper written notice.
• Consult the official Nevada rental laws and HUD guidelines for up-to-date rules.

With careful planning and official guidance, you can move to another county in Nevada while protecting your rental subsidy and rights as a voucher holder.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority: Portability Information
• Reno Housing Authority: Transfer & Portability Process
• HUD PHA Contact Finder
• Nevada Revised Statutes – Tenant Act

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A
2. 24 CFR § 982 – HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program Regulations
3. SNRHA: Section 8 Portability Forms & FAQ

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