1. Who is my housing specialist?
You may determine who your Housing Specialist is by going to www.dhcmi.org and finding your specialist under the Section 8 staff directory.
2. I reported a change in my income, has the change been processed?
Changes in household income must be reported and verified. To determine when the reported change in household income is effective contact the Housing Specialist assigned to your case. Income changes do not go into effect retroactively, they go into effect after they are reported. For a staff directory go to www.dhcmi.org
3. I need to report a change in circumstances (increase or decrease in household income, or change in household composition), how do I report the change?
To report a change in household income or change in household composition contact the housing specialist assigned to your account.
4. I have a Detroit Housing Choice Voucher. How do I transfer my housing assistance to another jurisdiction? How do I start the portability process?
You are eligible to transfer your voucher to any housing authority that operates the Housing Choice Voucher Program. You will need to inform your housing specialist that you want to transfer to another jurisdiction to start the portability process. You need to be in good standing with your current landlord. Your housing specialist will issue Intent to Vacate for you and your landlord to complete. Once the form is completed, turn the form in and, provided that you are in good standing, DHC will issue your voucher and portability paperwork to transfer to the new jurisdiction. Upon receipt of your paperwork the receiving housing authority will contact you to schedule necessary appointments to begin assistance in the new location.
5. I have a Housing Choice voucher from another jurisdiction. How do I transfer my housing to Detroit?
You will need to contact your current housing authority office to start the portability process. They will advise you on their portability procedures and assist you with moving to Detroit.
6. Will your housing agency bill my housing agency of absorbs?
Normal procedures for the Detroit Housing Commission are to bill the initial housing authority for portability.
7. What is my utility reimbursement amount?
If you qualify for utility reimbursement, you will receive a letter from the DHC that indicates the utility reimbursement amount. The utility reimbursement amount is based on your adjusted income, the type of utility (gas, electric, etc), and the type of unit (apartment, single-family home, etc.).
8. When is my annual re-certification interview appointment?
All program participants are scheduled for re-examination appointments approximately four months prior to their anniversary date.
9. Isn’t it enough to report my income just once per year?
Definitely not. Whenever there is any kind of change in income it must be reported in person immediately, not over the phone or by mail.
AS LONG AS YOU REPORT THE CHANGE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF THE CHANGE YOU WILL NOT BE IN JEOPARDY OF ACCUMULATING A DEBT WITH SECTION 8.
10. If my income exceeds the limit am I removed from Section 8?
Not necessarily. If at any time it is discovered that you are over income, your Section 8 voucher will be held for you to use again within a six-month period if your income once again falls below the income limit. It is up to you to report if this occurs. In the meantime, you will be responsible to pay the rent in full directly to the landlord.
11. What is Portability?
Portability is the process that allows eligible Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants to transfer their rental assistance to a different Public Housing Authority (PHA) jurisdiction in the United States.
12. How do I know if I am eligible for Portability?
Porting Outside of DHC’s Jurisdiction (Port Out): To port out from DHC, the participant should follow the steps below.
Steps to Port Out:
- Submit a written request to port out with your notice to vacate form to your assigned specialist.
- Ensure you are lease-compliant and up to date on your rent and responsibilities.
- You must have lived in our jurisdiction for at least 12 months, or applied as a resident.
- Our staff will send your portability packet to the receiving PHA within 10 business days.
Important Notes:
- You must continue to comply with all program requirements until you lease in your new location.
- Delays may occur if paperwork is incomplete or if the receiving PHA has special policies.
- To request portability, please email: port@dhcmi.org or contact your assigned case manager.
13. How to Port to DHC?
If you have a voucher from another PHA and would like to move to our jurisdiction:
Receiving Portability Requests: Please have your housing authority send your portability packet to:
port@dhcmi.org
Attention: Portability Specialist
What to Expect:
- Once we receive your packet, we will contact you within 10 business days to schedule an intake.
- You will receive a briefing email. (Please check your spam folder).
- You may be issued a new voucher based on our local subsidy standards.
- The Detroit Housing Commission is currently billing all incoming portability clients.
- Our inspection team must approve any unit before move-in.
For more information about porting into our jurisdiction, contact us at: port@dhcmi.org
Additional Information
- We recommend starting the portability process at least 45-60 days before your intended move date.
- All processing is done in accordance with HUD regulations and may vary depending on the PHA.
You may print out the Intent To Vacate (ITV) Port form from our website: www.dhcmi.org. Click on the Residents tab, and scroll down to Packets and Forms, you will need the Port-Out ITV. If you are responsible for the water bill, you must submit a current water bill to your Rental Assistance Specialist. The water bill must be current, in a repayment agreement or a zero balance.