How to Transfer Housing Choice Vouchers Across Counties in South Dakota

If you rely on a Housing Choice Voucher (often called Section 8) for affordable rent in South Dakota, you may wonder if you can take your voucher with you when moving to another county. The good news: vouchers are “portable,” meaning many renters can transfer their assistance to another jurisdiction, though some rules and steps apply in South Dakota.

Understanding Housing Choice Voucher Portability in South Dakota

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is a federal program administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). "Portability" lets you transfer your voucher to a new area—such as a different county—under certain conditions. This gives you more choice about where to live, closer to family, work, or better schools.

Key Things to Know About Portability

• Your current PHA must approve your request and coordinate with the receiving PHA in the destination county.
• You need to follow both your PHA’s and the receiving PHA’s policies, including deadlines and paperwork.
• If you are new to the Section 8 program, you may need to live in the area of your issuing PHA for 12 months before transferring (this is called an “initial lease-up restriction”).

Which Forms Will You Need?

To start your portability transfer, you must notify your current PHA in writing and submit a portability request form. The names and numbers of these forms can vary by PHA, but one standard federal document is the HUD Form 52665 – Family Portability Information. The PHA usually completes this form as it transfers your information, but you should understand its use:

• HUD Form 52665: Family Portability Information
• When and How Used: After you request a move, your current PHA uses HUD Form 52665 to send your eligibility and voucher details to the receiving PHA. For example, if you live in Minnehaha County and want to move to Pennington County, a housing authority representative will use this form to coordinate your case. See the official HUD Form 52665 here.

You may also be asked to complete or sign additional local forms, such as:

• Local portability request/transfer form – available from your current PHA’s website or office
• Move-out notice to landlord – often must be submitted per your current lease terms

Always check your PHA’s website for their latest portability instructions. For example, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority lists key resources and local office contacts.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your Voucher to Another County

The process moves through several steps, from notification through approval and, finally, moving in. Here’s a practical guide:

• Contact your current Public Housing Agency and let them know your intention to move with your voucher (“port”).
• Submit written notice, including any required forms. Give your landlord the legally required move-out notice if needed, following your lease.
• Your PHA will brief you on porting procedures, explain local policies, and check eligibility (such as time lived in your current jurisdiction).
• The PHA will complete and send HUD Form 52665 and your information to the receiving PHA in your target county.
• The receiving PHA will contact you, possibly require a new eligibility briefing, and guide you on searching for affordable units in their area.
• Once you find a rental, the receiving PHA inspects the unit to ensure it meets standards. They will finalize the move and start making payments on your behalf once everything is approved.

Your move is not official until the receiving PHA approves your new unit and contract. Be sure not to sign a new lease before the local housing authority gives you the green light.

Who Oversees Tenant Issues and Rights in South Dakota?

If you encounter issues—such as your voucher transfer being delayed, or trouble with a landlord—the principal administrative boards can help. Public Housing Agencies handle voucher issues. For rental disputes, the South Dakota Office of the Attorney General: Consumer Protection Division provides resources and forms for complaints related to landlord-tenant law.

Landlord-tenant issues in South Dakota are governed by the South Dakota Codified Laws - Chapter 43-32: Rights and Duties of Landlord and Tenant.

Legislation to Know

• South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32: Landlord and Tenant Act
• HUD HCV Fact Sheet (Section 8 basics)

Tips for a Smooth Move

• Keep copies of all forms and correspondence.
• Communicate in writing with both PHAs—document phone calls for your records.
• Check if the receiving county has any wait list or policy quirks that could affect your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I move anywhere in South Dakota with my Section 8 voucher?
   Yes, most renters can move to any county in South Dakota, but you must follow all transfer steps and some restrictions may apply if you are a new voucher user.
2. What is the initial lease-up restriction?
   If your voucher is new, you may be required to stay in the area served by your issuing PHA for at least 12 months before you can transfer.
3. What if my voucher transfer is delayed or denied?
   Contact your current PHA for explanations, and if issues persist, reach out to the South Dakota Consumer Protection Division for help.
4. Do I need to submit any special forms for portability?
   You will typically sign a portability request and your PHA handles HUD Form 52665, but always ask your PHA if they require additional documents.
5. Where can I check the status of my application?
   Check directly with both your current and receiving PHA, either by phone or through their websites.

Key Takeaways

• South Dakota renters can often transfer their Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers across counties, following federal and local steps.
• HUD Form 52665 is the main document PHAs use during the process—ask your housing office for details.
• Know your rights under South Dakota landlord-tenant laws and keep clear, documented communication with all parties throughout your move.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Dakota Housing Development Authority Housing Choice Vouchers – Statewide PHA and Section 8 information
• HUD: South Dakota Local Housing Authority Contact List
• SD Consumer Protection Division: Tenant and Landlord Rights – Renters’ complaint process
• HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program – National guidelines

---

1. South Dakota Housing Development Authority: Housing Choice Voucher Program
2. HUD Form 52665
3. South Dakota Codified Laws - Chapter 43-32: Rights and Duties of Landlord and Tenant
4. South Dakota Office of the Attorney General – Tenant & Landlord Rights
5. HUD: Housing Choice Voucher Fact Sheet

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