Moving with a Housing Choice Voucher in North Carolina

If you’re a renter in North Carolina using a Housing Choice Voucher (often called Section 8), you may wonder if you can use your voucher to move to another county. The good news is that North Carolina’s voucher program allows you to move between different counties, following a process known as “portability.” This guide will help you understand your rights, official steps, and key forms for a successful move.

Understanding Voucher Portability in North Carolina

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) enables eligible renters to receive rental assistance at private market apartments. Portability is a federal rule that lets voucher holders move from one area to another—including from one North Carolina county to another—while keeping their rental help. This process works through coordination between your current public housing agency (known as a PHA) and the agency in the county where you wish to live.

Key Terms Explained

• Public Housing Agency (PHA): The local government office that manages vouchers.
• Portability: The right to move with your voucher to a different jurisdiction or county.
• Receiving PHA: The housing authority in the county you want to move to.

Who Can Use Portability to Move?

If you’ve lived in your current county with a voucher for at least a year, you can usually use portability to move. If you haven’t, you may have to stay in your original agency’s area until you meet the one-year rule unless special circumstances apply (such as domestic violence or a reasonable accommodation for disability). Learn about voucher eligibility on HUD’s fact sheet.

Step-by-Step: How to Move with Your Voucher

Moving takes planning and cooperation with both your current and future Public Housing Agencies. Here’s a summary of what you’ll need to do:

• Notify your current PHA in writing about your intent to move, following their rules for ending your lease properly.
• Submit the required portability form to your current PHA.
• Your PHA will contact the receiving PHA in the county you want to move to and send your paperwork.
• The receiving PHA will guide you through eligibility review and voucher issuance for their area.

After approval, you will search for new housing in your destination county just as you did in your current county. Make sure you keep in close contact with both PHAs to avoid delays.

Required Forms and Where to Find Them

• Intent to Vacate Notice:
  This is a written notification to your current landlord and PHA that you plan to move. Usually, you must give 30–60 days’ notice per your lease agreement. Check with your local PHA for specific forms or templates.
• HUD Form 52665 – Family Portability Information:
  This official HUD form is used by your current PHA to transfer your voucher information to the new county’s PHA. You don’t fill this out directly, but your PHA may need you to provide information to complete it.
  Download HUD Form 52665 (PDF)
• PHA Portability Request/Application:
  Many PHAs have their own portability request forms or checklists. For example, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and other local PHAs often require you to submit a portability application on their website or in person.

Tip: Always request a copy of any form you submit and keep a record of the date for your files.

Which Agency Oversees Rental Disputes in North Carolina?

Any disputes related to your lease, deposit, or move can be addressed in North Carolina’s local courts, but rental assistance programs are managed by your local public housing agency (PHA). The main legislation for tenant rights and responsibilities is the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 42 – Landlord and Tenant law^[1]. If you have an issue with how your voucher transfer is handled, contact your PHA first, then HUD’s regional office if the issue is unresolved.

How to Use Portability: Action Steps for Renters

• Review your current lease for move-out notice requirements.
• Contact your PHA to declare your intent to move and request portability instructions.
• Submit all required notifications (see above forms).
• Work with both current and receiving PHAs to provide paperwork.
• Seek new approved housing in your destination county and complete move-in paperwork.

FAQ: Common Questions about Voucher Moves in North Carolina

1. Can I move with my voucher anywhere in North Carolina?
   Yes, you can use portability to move to another county as long as you’ve met the one-year residency requirement, unless an exception applies.
2. Do I have to re-apply for a voucher when I move counties?
   No, you do not have to re-apply, but your new county’s PHA will review your eligibility and process your paperwork.
3. How much notice do I have to give my landlord and my PHA before moving?
   Most leases and PHA rules require a 30–60 day written notice. Check your lease and contact your current PHA to confirm.
4. What happens if my new county has a different payment standard?
   Your rental assistance amount may change depending on the receiving PHA’s payment standards for the new area.
5. Where can I get help if my voucher transfer is delayed?
   Start by contacting both PHAs, then reach out to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency or HUD’s local office if you still need help.

Key Takeaways for North Carolina Renters

• You have a right to move with your Housing Choice Voucher in North Carolina, but you must follow the right steps.
• Use official forms and work with your PHAs to ensure a smooth move to your new county.
• Help is available—know who to contact if issues arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Carolina Housing Finance Agency – Rental Assistance
• Find Your Local PHA in North Carolina
• HUD North Carolina Tenant Rights
• North Carolina's Landlord and Tenant Statutes
• NC Housing Search – Find Affordable Housing

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1. North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 42 – Landlord and Tenant
2. HUD Form 52665

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