Portability lets voucher holders move into a different housing authority’s jurisdiction. When you port your voucher, you must follow the new housing authority’s rules and policies. These may be different than DHA’s rules and policies.

How do I move out of DHA’s jurisdiction?

You may move out of DHA jurisdiction with your HCV if one of the following applies:

• You lived in DHA jurisdiction when you applied for a voucher.
• You have lived in your current home with a voucher for more than 12 months.

If eligible, you can move anywhere in the United States that has a HCV program. However, different rules may apply once you leave DHA. Other housing authorities may have different payment standards. You may not be able to rent a home with the same number of bedrooms. Both of these affect the type of home you can rent. Make sure to ask the new housing authority about their rules before you make your final choice.

Once you know where you want to move, fill out the Portability Release Form . This lets DHA send your file to the new housing authority. Because Housing Authorities may have different rules, contact them to learn about the steps you must take to move into their area. Wait at least ten business days after submitting the release form to DHA to allow your files to reach the new agency.

How do I move into DHA’s jurisdiction?

If you want to move into DHA’s jurisdiction, start by informing your current housing authority of your intent to port. They will have steps to follow to start that process. Once they’ve completed that process, they will send the port packet to DHA.  DHA cannot begin working with you until your current housing authority has sent us the portability packet.

After we receive the portability packet, DHA will:

• Process your file after we receive your paperwork. This can take up to 10 business days.
• Reach out to you if additional information is needed.  You may need to provide update income and household composition information.
• Issue your voucher

Is DHA “Billing” or “Absorbing”?

Most of the time, DHA is absorbing to incoming port clients. There may be times where we choosing to bill but is it not a common occurrence.

Where do I send port requests?

Email: HCV@doverhousingauthority.org
Fax: 603-742-6911
Mail: 62 Whittier Street, Dover, NH 03820

How long does the port process take?

HUD guidelines state the process can take 30-45 days. We strive to issue vouchers as quickly as possible. The speed of the process will depend upon:

• How complete the information for the file is from your housing authority.
• How quickly you respond with the paperwork and additional items.
• The number of households we are assisting at the time your file is received.

How many bedrooms will my voucher be?

Each housing authority has policies on how they calculate the number of bedrooms for each household. DHA may change the voucher size that you were given by your previous housing authority.

A household may rent a larger unit as long as the rent of the larger unit is within the payment standards of the voucher you are assigned.

How much will my voucher be worth?

This depends on the size of your unit and size of your voucher. Click here to see DHA’s current payment standards by bedroom size.

How much time will I have on my voucher?

The voucher dates will be determined by your current housing authority. DHA will add an additional 30 days to the expiration date on your current voucher.

For example, if the voucher is issued Oct. 1, 2024, with an expiration of Dec. 31, 2024 – DHA will add 30 days to the expiration date, making the new expiration Jan. 30, 2025.

How do I request an extension?

The housing authority you come from is the “owner” of your voucher until you live in a unit in DHA’s jurisdiction. You will have to ask your home housing authority to request an extension. If the extension is approved, they will notify us of the new extended expiration dates and DHA will update your voucher.

I found a great new place. Can I put down a deposit?

We do not recommend placing deposits before DHA has approved the unit. If you choose to put down a deposit, you will be doing this at your own risk.

How do I cancel my port request to DHA?

Please send your request in writing to HCV@doverhousingauthority.org. If you are requesting to have your file sent to a different housing authority, please include this information with your request to cancel. We will notify your home housing authority. It will be your home housing authority who sends your file to the next housing authority unless they direct us otherwise.

Can I add or remove family members to my household while porting?

You may add or remove family members while porting in as long as:

• The initial housing authority approves of the change, and
• Any adults being added to the household pass a background check and they do not owe money to another housing authority.