Where Can I Use My Housing Choice Voucher?

A priority of The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is to broaden housing choices for low-income families. With the implementation of the Section 8 Program in 1976, certificate and voucher holders were encouraged to move to an area outside minority and poverty concentration. Mobility or portability was further expanded with the new Section 8 Conforming Rule that was effective October 2, 1995.

Housing Choice Voucher holders can use their voucher to rent available units

To move outside the city limits of Knoxville, the portability feature applies.

Participants with Housing Choice Vouchers have the HUD statutory right to lease an eligible unit anywhere in the United States with a governing voucher program (Portability feature). Also, an applicant receiving a new voucher, who lived in KCDC’s jurisdiction when he/she applied for rental assistance, has the statutory right to move under these same conditions.

If the participant decides to move to another location, they must inform KCDC of the area to which they wish to relocate. KCDC will determine whether the housing agency in the new area administers a voucher program. KCDC will notify the housing agency in that area to determine the proper procedures and will provide information and guidance to the participant to expedite the process.

The portability feature enables the participant to select the neighborhood, community, city, or state of their preference. KCDC recognizes that moving is part of life and staff are trained to help with this process. A copy of United States Housing Agencies is available upon request.

Facts to Consider if You Plan to Move

• The new housing agency’s payment standard is applicable
• The new housing agency’s occupancy standards may change the bedroom size of you voucher