Portability

"Portability" in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program refers to the process that allows a household to transfer or "port" their rental subsidy to a different jurisdiction. Moving in or out of the boundaries of Long Beach is considered a "port." 

When using or requesting portability:

1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your Housing Specialist or caseworker. 
2. Obtain the phone number and address of the Housing Authority where you wish to live. Here is a list of Public Housing Authorities in the Los Angeles region.  
3. Contact the Housing Authority where you wish to live. You must follow all the rules of that agency. 
4. Submit a portability to the initial Housing Authority (the jurisdiction in which you currently reside) with the name, contact, address, and phone number of the receiving Housing Authority (the jurisdiction in which you wish you port).   
5. Once approved, the initial Housing Authority will send a port package to the receiving Housing Authority.   
6. The receiving Housing Authority will contact you and issue a new voucher along with a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet.   
7. Locate a unit in the new area and get the new owner to sign the RFTA before your voucher expires. 
8. Your official Section 8 Eligibility paperwork, Voucher, RFTA, and all subsequentdocuments will beforwarded to the new agency for processing. 
9. If the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach is currently assisting you, you must comply with all our requirements when vacating your current unit. This includes providing your owner and the Housing Authority the required written notice, paying your rent through the date you move, leaving your unit in good, clean condition, and returning the keys to the owner.  The inability to comply may delay your assistance in the new unit or cost you your voucher.