HUD HCV Guidebook § 5.4
Voucher Issuance (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
After receiving the form HUD-52665 and supporting documentation from the initial PHA, the receiving PHA must65 promptly issue a voucher to the family for its search in the receiving PHA’s jurisdiction. HUD expects the receiving PHA to process the family’s paperwork and issue the family a voucher within two weeks of receiving the HUD-52665 and supporting documentation provided the information is in order, the family has contacted the receiving PHA, and the family complies with the receiving PHA’s procedures. The size of the voucher (that is the number of bedrooms or unit size for the family) is determined by the receiving PHA in accordance with its own subsidy standards.66 The term of the receiving PHA’s voucher may not expire before 30 calendar days from the expiration date of the initial PHA’s voucher. For example, if the initial PHA’s voucher expires 10/30/2019, the receiving PHA’s voucher may not expire before 11/29/2019. 59 PIH Notice 2016-09(10)(b) 60 24 CFR § 982.355(c)(3); PIH Notice 2016-09(10)(c) 61 24 CFR § 982.355(c)(13) 62 PIH Notice 2016-09(10)(d) 63 24 CFR § 982.555(b) 64 24 CFR § 982.355(c)(14); PIH Notice 2016-09(10)(d) 65 24 CFR § 982.355(c)(13); PIH Notice 2016-09(10)(f) 66 24 CFR § 982.355(c)(12); PIH Notice 2016-09(10)(e) Moves and Portability 16 If the initial PHA extends the term of its voucher, the receiving PHA’s voucher may not expire before 30 days from the new expiration date of the initial PHA’s voucher. For example, if in the example in the preceding paragraph the initial PHA extends the voucher until 11/30/2019 the receiving PHA voucher may not expire before 12/30/2019. Receiving PHAs may extend the voucher beyond these additional 30 days. The receiving PHA may delay issuance of the voucher or approval of the unit if the family refuses to comply with the receiving PHA’s procedures. In any case where the receiving PHA is refusing to process or provide assistance under the portability procedures, the family must 67 be given the opportunity for an informal review or hearing.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 5.4, when a family ports their voucher to a new jurisdiction, the receiving Public Housing Authority (PHA) is generally expected to issue a new voucher within two weeks of receiving the required paperwork. The new voucher's expiration date must extend at least 30 calendar days beyond the initial PHA's voucher expiration, including any extensions the initial PHA grants. If a receiving PHA refuses to process a portability request, the family must be offered an informal review or hearing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section § 5.4 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook primarily governs the obligations of receiving PHAs rather than private landlords. Property owners accepting Housing Choice Vouchers should be aware that porting families may experience processing timelines of up to two weeks before a new voucher is issued. Understanding these timelines can help operators anticipate when a prospective tenant's voucher documentation will be finalized and ready for unit approval.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 5.4 establishes that a receiving PHA must promptly issue a voucher and cannot let it expire fewer than 30 days after the initial PHA's voucher expiration date. If a receiving PHA delays or refuses to process your portability request, you are entitled to an informal review or hearing. Tenant-rights organizations and HUD's local field offices can provide general information about how to pursue these procedural protections.
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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