Where and how to notify each program
The agency or organization that sends you housing assistance money needs your current address to mail checks, notices, or renewal forms. If you move without updating your address, payments can be delayed or sent to the wrong place, and you may miss deadlines for recertification.
The process differs depending on which program you receive money from. Public Housing Authorities handle Section 8 vouchers and public housing directly. Nonprofits or local agencies run emergency rental assistance. State housing finance agencies manage some homeowner programs. Each one has its own notification method, and you may need to update your address in more than one place if you receive multiple forms of assistance.
Start by identifying which programs send you money or documents. Check your most recent payment stub, lease, or approval letter for the agency name and contact information. Then contact that agency using the method they list — usually a phone number, online portal, or in-person office visit.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your housing program's office directly by phone or through their online portal; do not assume mail forwarding will reach them in time.
- Have your case number or tenant ID ready when you call, and provide both your old address and new address to avoid confusion.
- If you receive multiple forms of assistance, update your address with each program separately — they do not share records.
- Update your address before you move if possible, or within one week after moving to prevent missed payments or notices.
- Keep a record of when you notified each program and who you spoke with, in case a payment goes missing.
Updating your address by phone or in person
Calling your housing program's office is usually the fastest way to change your address. Have your case number or tenant ID ready — you can find this on your lease, voucher, or most recent payment stub. Tell the staff member your old address, your new address, and the date you moved or plan to move.
Ask the staff member to confirm the new address back to you before you hang up, and ask when the change will take effect. Some programs update addresses the same day; others take one to three business days. If you are moving within a few days, mention that so they know to prioritize the change.
If you prefer to update in person, visit your local housing authority office or the agency's main office during business hours. Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your new address on it. Staff can update your file while you wait.
Using online portals and email
Many housing programs now offer online portals where you can log in and update your own information. Check your most recent notice or payment stub for a website address or login instructions. If you have not set up an account yet, the portal usually has a registration link.
Log in, look for a section labeled "Account Settings," "Personal Information," or "My Profile," and update your mailing address. Save the change and look for a confirmation message or email. Some portals show the change immediately; others process it within one to two business days.
If your program does not have a portal, you can sometimes email your case worker or the main office. Send an email with your case number, old address, new address, and the date of your move. Ask for a confirmation email in return so you have proof you notified them. Email is slower than a phone call, so use it only if phone lines are not available.
What to do if you receive mail at your old address
If a payment or notice arrives at your old address after you move, contact your housing program immediately. Have the envelope or letter in front of you when you call, because the staff member may need information from it to locate your file.
Tell them the date you notified them of your move and the date the mail arrived at your old address. Ask them to resend the payment or notice to your new address. If the mail is a check, ask whether they can issue a replacement or if you need to contact the bank that issued it.
If you still have access to your old address (for example, a family member lives there), you can ask them to forward the mail to you. However, do not rely on this — contact your program directly to make sure they have your correct address on file.
Updating your address if you receive multiple programs
If you receive Section 8 voucher assistance and emergency rental assistance, or if you live in public housing and receive homeowner assistance, you must update your address with each program separately. They do not share records, even if they are run by the same agency.
Make a list of all the programs that send you money or documents. For each one, find the contact number on your most recent notice or payment stub. Call each program and update your address using the same process: provide your case number, old address, new address, and move date.
Write down the date you called each program, the name of the person you spoke with, and what they told you about when the change would take effect. Keep this record for at least three months in case a payment is delayed and you need to prove you notified them.
Timing: when to notify your program
The best time to notify your housing program is before you move. If you know your move date at least two weeks in advance, call your program and let them know. This gives them time to update their system and make sure your next payment or notice goes to the right place.
If you move suddenly or do not have advance notice, notify your program within one week of moving. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that a payment will be sent to your old address and delayed or lost.
If you are moving because of an emergency — a fire, eviction, or unsafe conditions — tell your program that when you call. Some programs have expedited processes for emergency moves and can update your address the same day.
What happens if your program cannot reach you
If your housing program cannot reach you at your address on file, they may send a notice asking you to contact them. This notice might go to your old address if you did not update it. If you do not respond within a certain time frame (usually 10 to 30 days), your assistance can be paused or ended.
If you think your program tried to contact you but you did not receive the notice, call them immediately and explain that you moved. Bring proof of your new address and ask them to restore your assistance. Many programs will do this if you can show you notified them or if you have a good reason for not receiving the notice.
To avoid this problem, update your address as soon as you know you are moving, and check your mail regularly at your new address for the first month after you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mail forwarding from the post office instead of calling my program?
Mail forwarding helps, but it is not enough. Post office forwarding can take one to two weeks to start working, and some government mail cannot be forwarded. Call your program directly to make sure they have your new address on file before you move.
What if I do not have a case number?
Look for it on your lease, voucher, payment stub, or any letter from your program. If you cannot find it, call the program's main office and give them your name, date of birth, and old address. They can look up your case and update your address without the number.
Do I need to update my address if I am moving within the same city?
Yes. Even if you are moving a few blocks away, your program needs your new address to send payments and notices. The process is the same whether you are moving across town or across the state.
How long does it take for my address change to take effect?
Most programs update addresses within one to three business days. Some update the same day. Ask the staff member when you call so you know when to expect your next payment or notice at your new address.
What if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?
Contact your program and ask about using a shelter address, a care of (c/o) address at a nonprofit, or a general delivery address at your local post office. Your program can work with you to find a way to receive mail while you are unhoused.