Frequently asked questions
What is portability (porting)?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program contains a provision where a participant may transfer their housing assistance from one jurisdiction or city to another jurisdiction (i.e., transfers from the Brevard County Section 8 Program to the County of Volusia Section 8 Program.)
When am I eligible to port out?
Participants are allowed to utilize portability feature at their annual recertification or if the landlord agrees in writing to sign a mutual recession allowing the participant to break the lease.
Applicants can exercise their right to utilize portability only if they were a Volusia County resident at the time of initial application. Therefore, applicants not living in Volusia County at time of initial application must initially lease a unit within Volusia County for the first 12 months of assistance.
NOTE: Applicants and Participants must be in good standing with the PHA and Landlord to utilize portability.
What is the Initial Housing Agency (IHA)?
The Initial Housing Agency is the agency that is administering the assistance (initially determined the family eligible and issued the original voucher).
Who is the participant?
The person who is receiving the Housing Choice Voucher assistance is called the Participant.
Who determines participant eligibility?
Eligibility is determined by the Initial Housing Agency.
Are children allowed at the briefing or appointment?
Due to the importance and value of the topics that will be discussed at this meeting, children are not allowed.
When are inspections scheduled?
An inspection of the dwelling unit must be complete prior to final approval. The inspection will be scheduled within 15 days after approval of “Request for Tenancy Approval."
What is the Payment Standard?
The Payment Standard is the maximum assistance the PHA will pay a landlord on a participant’s behalf to lease a unit.
