The Value of Portability. What is it & Why is it Considered a “Satisfaction Utility”

Why do we buy the goods and services we do? It must be because they provide all of us with satisfaction. We indeed feel better because we have purchased them. Economists have termed this as ‘satisfaction utility.’ We all have come to recognize the importance of satisfaction in the ‘utility concept of portability.’ From that mobile phone in our purse to the compact umbrella in our car, we see the practicality and satisfaction of Portability. However, what does it mean to us when it is documentation on an intrinsic piece of paper? The answer for some folks is that it is invaluable. And, of course, it provides excellent satisfaction through its’ utility of portability’.

So, what does this mean to the Housing Choice Voucher Program? What is Portability in this context? This is also commonly referred to as ‘Porting.’ Why is this important to an HCV participant? It is much like transferring your existing mobile phone number from your current phone service provider to another provider of your choice.

“Portability” in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program refers to the process through which an individual or family can transfer or “port” your rental subsidy when they move to a location outside the jurisdiction of the Rockford Housing Authority. In this example, we are the public housing agency (PHA) that first issued the voucher when the participant was selected for the program (the initial PHA). This process, likewise, holds true for all agencies in the US.

When a program participant would like to move outside of the jurisdiction, RHA must contact the PHA within the desired area. Upon contact with the new PHA (the receiving PHA) will determine if they will absorb this voucher into their program or charge RHA an administration fee to administer the voucher. RHA will request all vital information from the receiving PHA at this time, i.e., what are the payment standards in the area. RHA’s responsibilities also include sending a complete Portability Packet to the Receiving Housing Authority in the location you have selected to move. In addition, RHA will determine if you are eligible to move. For example, RHA will review whether you have moved out of your unit in accordance with your lease.

  Upon the request to port, RHA will review with the participant all relevant information for the new area in which the participant wants to move. There are several factors that must be addressed before approving a “port”.  i.e. – is the participant income eligible for the area in which they want to move.

This is a vital and integral part of your journey and is often misunderstood. Each housing agency has its own set of responsibilities and requirements so that the process for you and your family can be a smooth transition.

The HCV team will also provide you with complete information, so you know how to contact the receiving Authority at your chosen destination. RHA will issue a comprehensive, current, signed voucher to your Receiving Housing Authority. Several other forms will accompany your voucher in preparation for your move. In addition, you may find more details and investigate additional opportunities in your new home location. Agencies operate programs and initiatives that may be a perfect fit for you and your family.  For instance, you can enroll in the Family Self-Sufficiency program or the Homeownership program.

The RHA HCV team will assist you in understanding and recognizing the following four key terms. These phrases are Subsidy Standards, Payment Standards, Re-screening, and last but not least, Time Management. We will highlight at this juncture what and why you and your family need to be empowered with this knowledge.

Subsidy Standards

 As you have learned, your receiving Agency may have different subsidy standards. In other words, RHA, for example, may have issued you a three-bedroom voucher. Still, your receiving Agency may issue you a two-bedroom voucher if appropriate for your family. However, here is an essential noteworthy item to remember. All PHA’s subsidy standards must comply with all fair housing and civil rights laws.

Payment Standards

Your receiving Agency’s payment standards may differ from other Public Housing Authorities. Payment standards determine the amount of rent the receiving Agency will pay on your behalf. If your receiving Agency’s payment standards are lower than RHA, then the portion of the rent you pay may be more than what you were paying in Rockford.

Re-Screening

Your receiving Agency in the City you are going to relocate in, may re-screen you. They are using their policies, which may be different than RHA’s policies. Regrettably, this could result in them denying your request to move. When contacting your receiving Agency, you may want to ask “whether they re-screen families moving into their area under portability” and “what are their policies for termination or denial of HCV assistance.” This will help determine if the receiving Agency’s policies prevent you from moving to their jurisdiction.

Time Management

 It would be best if you managed your plan to move so that you have enough time to arrive at your new receiving Agency before the RHA voucher expires. RHA and the receiving agency will work hand in hand to assist you with locating a unit prior to the expiration of your voucher. However, there is the possibility that your voucher may expire before you locate a unit in an area that you are unfamiliar with.

Closing Thoughts

The guidelines for HUD expect that your family’s paperwork is processed timely, meaning within two weeks of receiving the completed Portability Packet. However, your Receiving Housing Authority’s voucher for HUD regulations must provide your family with a mandatory 30-day extension.

The Receiving Agency’s voucher must expire within 30 calendar days from the expiration date of the RHA’s voucher. Our RHA HCV team members are always available to our residents and clients for a better understanding of the HUD protocols and guidelines about Portability and the many other facets of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The RHA best practice is our gold standard and an ongoing set of guidelines known to produce good quality outcomes. In closing, the number one best practice for the RHA HCV team is to manage Portability efficiently. And we operate in a timely fashion so that additional burdens are not placed on you and your family.

Respectfully,

The RHA Leadership Team

In Part One of the Five Part Op-Edit Series, we introduced the concept of what is a family and the basic working principles of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. In the forthcoming editorials, we will cover such relevant topics as home ownership, locating and attracting new landlords for our residents, and income qualifications, to name a few. Stay Tuned!