Moves and Portability

WHEN CAN I MOVE OR PORT?

A voucher participant can move after completing their initial 12 month lease, unless a new lease is signed following the initial term. For those families who have completed their initial lease term and are currently renting on a month to month basis, the move process can be initiated by submitting a notice to vacate to both your landlord and to the housing authority. We recommend you start the moving process 30 to 45 days before you plan to move.

Generally, a participating family can request to port their voucher at any time once they complete their initial 12 month lease requirement. Families who wish to port and who have not yet used their voucher to enter into a lease in the area under the jurisdiction of SHA, may first be required to reside in the Spokane area for a 12 month period prior to being approved to port their voucher to an area outside of the Spokane region, unless an exception is granted as a reasonable accommodation for a person with disabilities.

Please note, voluntary moves or ports can happen only one time per 12 months.

HOW DO I MOVE?

In order to move you will need to submit a notice to vacate to your landlord and provide the housing authority with a copy of the notice. The notice must be submitted to your landlord and the housing authority no later than 20 days prior to the end of the month for which you intend to move out. Please keep in mind that you must not be in a current lease and that your voucher must be in good standing. You may also be required to provide updated household information prior to your move.

If you would like to move to another county which SHA serves (Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Orielle, Stevens, or Whitman) simply submit a written request with your move notice or submit the Move and Transfer Request form.

Important facts about moving

Move Notice Form

If you need to delay or change your move, notify SHA and your landlord with a new Move Notice.

HOW DO I PORT MY VOUCHER?

You may take your tenant-based voucher outside of Spokane only if you have already leased a unit with your voucher in Spokane for at least one year, you are in good standing with SHA, and you are in good standing with your landlord.

If eligible, you can move anywhere in the United States that has a Housing Choice Voucher program. However, different rules may apply once you leave Spokane. Other housing authorities may have different payment standards. You may not be able to rent a home with the same number of bedrooms. Both of these affect the type of home you can rent. Make sure you ask the new housing authority about their rules before you make your final choice. If you need assistance in locating a housing authority in the area you wish to move to, please contact SHA’s customer service representatives.

To begin the port process, you must notify SHA that you would like to port your voucher by completing and submitting a Voluntary Portability Form. SHA will first determine if you are eligible to port, and if you are determined eligible, then your housing file will be sent to the housing authority who oversees the area that you would like to relocate to. After receiving your file, the new housing authority will contact you to schedule an orientation.

How Portability Works

Voluntary Port Form

Porting to Spokane Housing Authority

If your voucher is currently being managed by another housing authority and you would like to move to Spokane contact the housing authority that currently manages your voucher. Tell them you would like to port to Spokane Housing Authority. They will forward all documents to SHA to begin the move process.

Contact information for those porting to Spokane Housing Authority: email [email protected].

HOW LONG DOES THE MOVE PROCESS TAKE?

The length of the move process can vary, and it is recommended that you inform the housing authority of your intent to move as soon as possible. How soon you will be issued a voucher to move will depend on the status of your paperwork, the date that you submit your notice to vacate to SHA, and the availability of briefing times.

WHAT DOES THE MOVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

The moving process usually takes seven steps:

1. Decide whether you want to move. If you’re thinking about moving, review our current voucher payment standards first. This will show the highest amount Spokane Housing Authority will pay each month to help you with rent and utilities. SHA will only allow you to move with your voucher one time each 12 calendar months.
2. Notify your landlord. Give your landlord plenty of notice of your intention to move. You are required by Washington State tenant landlord law to give notice to your landlord at least 20 days in advance of moving out of your unit.  SHA encourages you to provide 30-60 days notice if at all possible.
3. Provide SHA with a copy of the move notice you have given to your landlord.
4. Complete any required moving forms. If you have had any recent changes in your household circumstances, you must provide information about those changes to SHA in advance. Failure to report these changes could result in delays to your voucher issuance. SHA will be in touch with you after you have submitted your Request to Move if any additional paperwork is required. SHA will also notify you if you are not eligible for a move voucher.
5. Collect your voucher. SHA will schedule a voucher issuance orientation for you. You must attend to receive your voucher to move.
6. Have the new landlord fill out the Request for Tenancy Approval form. Send the completed form to SHA. If the rent is reasonable, a housing inspector will set up a time to go through the home with your new landlord. Do not move into the home until it passes inspection.
7. Move out of your current home by the date you listed in Step 1 (above). Conduct a move out inspection with your landlord and return the keys to your landlord. Ask for a receipt from your landlord that lists that date you returned the keys.