HUD HCV Guidebook § 12
Related SEMAP Indicators (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
While there is no specific SEMAP indicator for portability, to receive full points under SEMAP Indicator 7
“Expanding Housing Opportunities”, PHAs must125 certify, among other things, that the PHA’s briefing packet
includes an explanation of portability and a list of PHAs in neighboring jurisdictions including the name of the
portability contact at the PHA and the telephone number and address to help the family contact that agency.
SEMAP indicator 7 assesses the PHA’s efforts to expand housing opportunities and applies only to PHAs with
jurisdiction in metropolitan FMR areas. For more information on SEMAP requirements see the SEMAP
chapter.
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24 CFR § 985.3(g)
Moves and Portability 35Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 12, while portability itself does not have a dedicated SEMAP indicator, a Public Housing Authority (PHA) can earn full points under SEMAP Indicator 7 ('Expanding Housing Opportunities') only if its briefing packet explains portability and lists neighboring PHAs—including each agency's portability contact name, phone number, and address. This indicator applies exclusively to PHAs operating within metropolitan Fair Market Rent (FMR) areas. The underlying regulatory authority for this requirement is found at 24 CFR § 985.3(g).
Plain English — not legal advice.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 12 does not directly regulate landlord conduct, but property owners who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program should be aware that the PHAs they work with are evaluated under SEMAP Indicator 7 on how well they inform families about portability options. A PHA that maintains a compliant briefing packet—one that includes portability explanations and neighboring PHA contact information—is more likely to achieve full SEMAP points and maintain strong program standing. Landlords working with well-performing PHAs generally experience more consistent program administration, which can affect payment reliability and inspection scheduling.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 12, voucher holders have a right to receive a briefing packet that explains portability—the ability to use a voucher outside the issuing PHA's jurisdiction—and that lists contact information for PHAs in neighboring areas. If a briefing packet appears to be missing this information, a tenant may raise the issue directly with their PHA, reference SEMAP Indicator 7 and 24 CFR § 985.3(g) in any written inquiry, or seek guidance from a local tenant-rights organization. Tenants who believe their PHA is not meeting these informational requirements may also consider filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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