Porting into the Austin Housing Authority
When a family transfers their voucher from another housing authority into Austin Housing Authority’s jurisdiction, it is called “porting in.”
If you are a voucher client at another housing authority and are looking to move into Austin Housing Authority’s area, the Austin Housing Authority can help guide you through the portability process.
There are two ways a transferred voucher can be administered:
- Billed Voucher: The Austin Housing Authority administers the voucher, but the original housing authority continues to pay the housing assistance payments on the family’s behalf.
- Absorbed Voucher: The Austin Housing Authority takes over both administration of the voucher and payment of the housing assistance using local program funding.
At this time, the Austin Housing Authority administers incoming vouchers as billed vouchers and is not currently absorbing vouchers.
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How to Port Into Austin
The process starts with your caseworker at your current housing authority. Contact them directly and tell them where you want to take your voucher.
They will need to send this list of documents in order to complete the process.
- A copy of your signed voucher
- HUD Form 52665
- Most recent HUD Form 50058
- Verification of your income
- Copies of each household member’s birth certificates, IDs, and Social Security Cards
- Your current phone number and email address
How documents should be sent
- Email to Portability@austinha.org
- Fax to 512-494-0686
- Mail to 1124 South IH 35, Austin TX 78704 (Attention Portability)
Be sure to ask your caseworker for verification that they have sent your documents to us as instructed above.
Within 10 business days of receiving the documents, a member of our portability team will contact you to set an appointment and discuss next steps.
Please be prepared to submit the following documents to the Austin Housing Authority’s Portability Specialist.
- Photo ID – Valid state ID or driver’s license for the head of household
- Original birth certificates for all household members
- Original social security cards for all household members
- Eligible immigration status card or documentation for eligible non-citizens
Porting Out of Austin Housing Authority
When a family transfers their Housing Choice Voucher from the Austin Housing Authority to another housing authority’s jurisdiction, this is called “porting out.”
If you are an Austin Housing Authority voucher participant and wish to move to another city, county, or state, you must begin the process by contacting your assigned Housing Specialist.
Before your portability request can be processed:
- Your household must be in good standing with the program
- You must comply with your current lease requirements and provide proper notice to your landlord
- Any required paperwork or program obligations must be up to date
Once your request is approved, our team will coordinate with the receiving housing authority and send the required portability documents on your behalf.
The receiving housing authority will contact you with information about their intake process, voucher briefing requirements, and next steps for locating a unit in their area.
If you have questions about porting out, please contact your Housing Specialist for assistance.