Portability
Information for Public Housing Authorities (PHA)
If you are a PHA and would like more information regarding the portability process, contact OHA’s Portability Specialist at 805-385-8014 or via email at housingportability@oxnard.org.
Information for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Holders outside of the OHA’s jurisdiction
If you are interested in using your voucher within the OHA’s jurisdiction, you must first contact the PHA currently managing your voucher to determine if you are eligible for portability. If you are eligible, your PHA may send the appropriate documents by mail, fax, or email:
Oxnard Housing Authority
Attn: Portability Specialist
1470 Colonia Road
Oxnard, CA 93030
Fax (805) 385-7961 / Attn: Portability Specialist / E-mail: housingportability@oxnard.org
Information for OHA’s Voucher Holders who wish to transfer outside of the jurisdiction of the OHA
Your voucher may be used to move to another place in the United States. In order for your transfer to be approved, you must be in good standing with the OHA and in compliance with the rules & regulations governing the HCV Section 8 Program. This includes; paying off any debt owed to OHA; complying with your current rental agreement regarding giving notice to vacate; and providing any information requested to update your file.
You are also responsible for carefully researching your destination to ensure the area will meet your family needs regarding; the payment standards at the receiving agency (could be lower or higher); availability of units to Section 8 recipients in that area; general issues (safety, transportation, utility costs, weather, quality of schools).
It is critical that you understand that once your transfer is approved and your information is sent to the receiving PHA, all the decisions about processing time, bedroom size eligibility, inspection standards, payment standards, rent reasonableness, and client services will be controlled by the other agency and may be different than OHA’s. Once you are in another jurisdiction, all of their rules, policies, and practices are in effect.
With careful planning, you can be successful in using portability to take advantage of opportunities in another area: employment, schooling, being closer to family or medical care. For more information, please contact your Housing Specialist at (805) 385-8097.