Why you need to update your address with your housing program

Your housing program needs your current address so they can send you notices, renewal forms, and payment information. If you move and do not tell them, mail will go to your old place, and you may miss deadlines that affect your voucher, subsidy, or lease. Programs also use your address to verify you still live where you said you would and to process any changes to your rent or household.

The process differs depending on which program you are in — Section 8 vouchers, public housing, emergency rental assistance, or a state-specific subsidy. Each has its own office and its own form or procedure. Starting with your current program's office is always the first step.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your local housing authority or program office directly by phone or in person; do not rely on email or online portals alone, as address changes often require a signature or verification.
  • You will need your case number, current lease or proof of residency at the new address, and sometimes a forwarding address form or change-of-address request.
  • Update your address before you move if possible, or within 10 days after moving, because programs may suspend assistance if they cannot reach you.
  • If you are in Section 8, your housing authority must approve the new address before you can move there; moving without approval can end your voucher.

Finding the right office and getting the correct form

Your housing program office is usually run by your city or county housing authority. If you are in Section 8, call the housing authority that issued your voucher — not a different one, even if you are moving to a different county. If you are in public housing, contact the property management office of your current building. If you receive emergency rental assistance or a state subsidy, contact the agency that sent you your most recent notice or payment.

Ask for the address-change form or procedure when you call. Some programs have a single form; others ask you to submit a written request with specific information. A few allow changes online through a tenant portal, but most still require you to come in person or mail a signed form. Get the name of the person you speak with and ask how long the change takes — most programs process it within 5 to 10 business days.

What documents you will need to bring or send

Have your case number ready before you call or visit. You can find it on any notice or payment stub from your program. You will also need proof of residency at your new address. Acceptable documents usually include a signed lease, a utility bill in your name, a mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your move-in date. Some programs accept a bank statement or government mail if it shows your new address.

If you are moving within the same county or city, you may only need the lease and your case number. If you are moving to a different county or state, your program may require additional paperwork, such as a new lease inspection or verification that the new unit meets program standards. Ask what they need before you move so you are not delayed.

Section 8 voucher holders: approval before you move

Do not move to a new address without written approval from your housing authority. Section 8 rules require you to request permission to move before you sign a new lease. The process is called a "move request" or "portability request" depending on whether you are staying in the same county or moving out of it.

Contact your housing authority's Section 8 office and tell them you want to move. They will give you a form and ask for the address of the new unit. You will need a signed lease from your new landlord. The authority will inspect the unit to make sure it meets program standards and that the rent is reasonable for the area. This inspection can take 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, you will receive a letter authorizing the move. Only then should you move in.

If you move without approval, your voucher can be terminated, and you will lose your subsidy. If you are moving to a different county, the process is similar but involves two housing authorities coordinating, which can take longer.

Public housing residents: notifying your property management office

If you live in public housing, you cannot move to a different unit without approval from your property management office. If you are moving out of public housing entirely, notify the office at least 30 days before you leave. Bring your lease or proof of your new address and your case number.

The office will conduct a move-out inspection of your current unit and may charge you for any damage beyond normal wear. They will also close your file and confirm your forwarding address so they can send you any final paperwork or refund of your security deposit. If you are moving to a different public housing unit, the process is the same as applying for a transfer — contact your property office for the transfer request form.

Emergency rental assistance and state subsidy programs

If you received emergency rental assistance or a state rental subsidy, the program usually paid your landlord directly. When you move, contact the program office that issued your assistance and provide your new address. You will need your case number and proof of your new address.

Some programs require you to notify them before you move so they can update their records. Others allow you to report the change after you move. Ask whether the program needs to verify your new lease or whether a utility bill is enough. If you are moving to a different county or state, check whether the program you received assistance from operates in your new location — if not, you may need to look for a different program there.

What happens if you do not update your address

If your program cannot reach you at your registered address, they may send you a notice to your old place. If you do not respond within the deadline — usually 10 to 30 days — your assistance can be suspended or terminated. You will not receive your voucher, subsidy, or payment information, and your landlord may not receive rent payments.

If this happens, contact your program office immediately and explain that you moved. Bring proof of your new address and ask them to reinstate your assistance. Some programs will restore it if you respond quickly; others may require you to reapply. The faster you update your address, the less risk of this happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move before my housing authority approves the new address?

For Section 8, no — you must have written approval first. For public housing and subsidies, check with your program office, but most require approval or at least notification before you move. Moving without permission can result in loss of assistance.

What if my new landlord will not sign a lease until I show proof of my voucher?

Contact your housing authority and ask for a letter stating you hold an active voucher. Some authorities provide this letter to show landlords. You can also ask your authority whether they will inspect the unit before you sign the lease so the landlord knows you are approved.

Do I need to update my address if I am moving within the same building?

Yes. Even if you are moving from one unit to another in the same building, notify your program office with your new unit number and any new lease. Programs track your exact address for mail and inspections.

How long does an address change take?

Most programs process address changes within 5 to 10 business days. Section 8 move approvals can take 2 to 4 weeks because of the inspection requirement. Call your office to ask for an estimated timeline for your specific situation.

What if I am homeless and do not have a new address yet?

Contact your program office and explain your situation. You can usually provide a temporary address — a shelter, a friend's address, or a mailing address where you can receive mail — while you find permanent housing. Ask what documentation they need and whether they can hold your assistance while you transition.