Moving & Portability

I want to move, what is my voucher/shopping amount?
Please keep in mind that we are experiencing longer than normal wait times for scheduling moving appointments

For an estimated voucher/shopping amount, you will need to contact your Housing Specialist – just know that they cannot provide you with an exact number. The number they’ll give you is based off of the most current information we have about your household.

I currently have a voucher and want to move. What’s the moving process?
The moving process has many steps to it:

• You’ll need to make an appointment with your Housing Specialist to move, and bring a copy of your vacate notice signed by your landlord.
• At this appointment, you will be given your Affordability Estimate Worksheet, and an RFTA packet. The RFTA packet needs 2 fields for you to complete and the landlord completes the rest.
• From this point, you are searching for a new unit, and once you’re approved somewhere, you and your landlord will complete the RFTA packet.
• Once BHA receives the RFTA completed in full, we will process it within 5-10 business days and run an affordability test. If the unit passes that test, one of our Housing Inspectors will contact the landlord to schedule an initial inspection.
• The Inspector and the landlord will coordinate to get the unit passed.
• Once that happens, BHA will work on the paperwork between us and the landlord, and you will be able to sign the lease once we give you the OK to do so.

REMEMBER

• You may not move during your initial 12-month lease term.
• You must be eligible to move.
• We are currently experiencing longer than normal wait times for scheduling moving appointments.
  

I’d like to use my Section 8 voucher in a different area/jurisdiction/county than Kitsap or Mason county. How do I find out if I’m eligible to do that?
This process is referred to as “porting”. Whether or not you’re eligible depends on whether you’re an applicant who was just issued your voucher for the first time or if you’re a current participant. If you’re an applicant, you have to have had a Kitsap or Mason county address when you applied for the waitlist to be able to port right away. Otherwise, you will have to live in Kitsap or Mason for a year first. If you are a current participant, you have to be in “good standing”.

I have a Section 8 voucher at another housing authority. Can I port to BHA?
You will need to contact your current housing authority to find that out.

Is BHA absorbing vouchers from outside Housing Authorities right now?
No, as of March 12, 2025, BHA is not absorbing new vouchers.

However, we are currently billing. This means that if your originating Housing Authority is able to continue covering the cost of your voucher, you may still be able to port your assistance over here. 

You’ll need to reach out to your current housing authority to find that out.

Do you help pay for moving expenses?
No, unfortunately not. There are a few rare exceptions that we will you inform you of if you’re eligible.