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The Section 8 Voucher Extension form is a crucial document for participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, designed to assist those who may need additional time to secure a suitable living arrangement. Under this program, individuals typically have a 60-day window to find housing after receiving their voucher or moving out of an assisted unit. If this timeframe proves insufficient, a written request for an extension can be submitted to the Housing Authority. It's essential to note that this request must arrive at least seven calendar days before the voucher's expiration date to avoid termination from the program. The form requires basic personal information, including the head of household's name, tenant ID, and contact details, as well as a brief explanation of the reasons for the delay in finding housing. Additionally, applicants must include a Family Contact List with their request. Upon receipt, the Housing Authority will assess the request, and extensions are not guaranteed. If granted, participants will receive up to 60 more days to locate housing, but they must adhere to strict guidelines regarding inspections and lease commencement to maintain their assistance. Timely action is critical; therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to act quickly to secure their housing needs.

Common mistakes

  1. Missing Deadline: Failing to submit the extension request at least seven days before the voucher expiration can lead to termination from the program.

  2. Incomplete Information: Not providing all required personal details, such as name, Tenant ID, or contact information, can result in delays or denials.

  3. Insufficient Reasoning: Providing vague or unclear reasons for needing an extension may not be persuasive enough for approval.

  4. Omitting Contact List: Forgetting to include a Family Contact List with the request is a common oversight that can hinder the process.

  5. Ignoring Approval Process: Assuming that extensions are granted automatically can lead to unexpected terminations of assistance.

  6. Neglecting RTA Submission: Failing to submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) within the extension period can result in losing housing assistance.

  7. Overlooking Inspection Requirements: Not ensuring that the new unit passes inspection before the lease starts can jeopardize the extension.

  8. Delaying Lease Start: Allowing the lease to begin more than seven days past the extension deadline will lead to termination from the program.

Key takeaways

Understanding the Section 8 Voucher Extension Form is crucial for maintaining your housing assistance. Here are some key takeaways to help you navigate the process effectively:

  • Requesting an Extension: You must submit your extension request in writing at least seven days before your voucher expires. This is essential to avoid termination from the program.
  • Timeframe Matters: If your request is approved, you will receive an additional 60 days to find a suitable unit. However, this extension is not automatic and must be evaluated by the Housing Authority.
  • Inspection Requirements: Even with an extension, your new unit must pass inspection, and your lease must begin within seven days of the extension deadline. Delays can jeopardize your housing assistance.
  • Importance of Documentation: Include a copy of your Family Contact List with your request. This helps the Housing Authority in processing your extension more efficiently.

Section 8 Voucher Extension Example

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER EXTENSION REQUEST FORM

Under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, participants have 60 days to find a suitable unit when they are first issued a voucher, or when they have moved out of assisted unit. If you have not been able to locate a suitable unit within this timeframe, you may request an extension from the Housing Authority. If you wish to receive an extension, you must make the request in writing. Requests for an extension must be received at least seven (7) calendar days before the expiration of your voucher, or your voucher transfer deadline. If you do not request an extension by this due date, your participation in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will be terminated.

PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL TIME TO SEARCH FOR A UNIT.

Name of Head of Household: __________________________________________

Tenant ID: __________________

Home Address:

__________________________________

Mailing Address:

________________________________

 

__________________________________

 

________________________________

Phone Numbers:

Home: _____________________ Work: _____________________ Cell: _____________________

Email Address:

____________________________________________________________________________________

Please state the reason that you have not been able to locate a suitable unit within 60 days:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT – Please include a copy of your Family Contact List with this request.

Next steps:

When the Housing Authority receives your Housing Choice Voucher Extension Request Form, we will evaluate your request. Extensions are not granted automatically. If your request is denied, and you have not submitted an RTA to the Housing Authority by the expiration of your voucher or your voucher transfer deadline, your participation in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will be terminated.

If the Housing Authority approves your request, you will receive up to 60 additional days to find suitable housing. However, if an extension is granted, in addition to submitting an RTA on or before the last day of your extension period, your new unit must pass inspection, and your lease must begin within seven (7) calendar days of your extension deadline. Therefore, even if you submit an RTA within the designated timeframe, if the unit is not available for inspection, does not pass inspection, or if any other factors delay the beginning of your lease more than 7 calendar days past your extension period, you will lose your housing assistance and be terminated from the program. Therefore, we strongly urge that you find a unit and submit an RTA as soon as possible.

x

Print Head of Household Name

Signature of Head of Household

Date

550113 JP 10/6/05

Understanding Section 8 Voucher Extension

What is the purpose of the Section 8 Voucher Extension Request Form?

The Section 8 Voucher Extension Request Form is designed for participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program who need additional time to find suitable housing. When a voucher is issued, recipients typically have 60 days to secure a unit. If they are unable to do so within that timeframe, they can request an extension. This request must be made in writing and submitted to the Housing Authority before the voucher expires. Without an extension, participation in the program may be terminated.

How do I submit a request for an extension?

To submit a request for an extension, you must complete the Housing Choice Voucher Extension Request Form. Ensure you provide all required information, including your name, tenant ID, and reasons for needing the extension. It is crucial to submit this form at least seven days before your voucher's expiration date. If you miss this deadline, your request may be denied, and your participation in the program could end.

What happens after I submit my extension request?

Once the Housing Authority receives your request, they will review it. Keep in mind that extensions are not automatically granted. If your request is approved, you will receive up to 60 additional days to find housing. However, if it is denied and you have not submitted a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) by the expiration date, you will lose your housing assistance. Therefore, it is essential to act quickly and stay informed about your request's status.

What are the requirements if my extension is approved?

If your extension is granted, there are several important requirements to keep in mind:

  • You must submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) before the extension period ends.
  • Your new housing unit must pass inspection.
  • Your lease must begin within seven calendar days of the extension deadline.

If any of these conditions are not met, you risk losing your housing assistance and being terminated from the program. Therefore, it is advisable to find a unit and submit your RTA as early as possible.

How to Use Section 8 Voucher Extension

To request an extension for your Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, follow these steps carefully. Make sure to fill out the form completely and submit it on time to avoid any disruption in your housing assistance.

  1. Write your name: In the space provided, enter the name of the head of the household.
  2. Enter your Tenant ID: Fill in your Tenant ID number in the designated area.
  3. Provide your home address: Include your complete home address in the appropriate section.
  4. Mailing address: If different from your home address, fill in your mailing address.
  5. List your phone numbers: Provide your home, work, and cell phone numbers where requested.
  6. Include your email address: Write your email address in the space provided.
  7. State your reason: Clearly explain why you have not found a suitable unit within the 60-day timeframe.
  8. Attach your Family Contact List: Include a copy of your Family Contact List with your request.
  9. Sign and date the form: The head of household must print their name, sign, and date the form at the bottom.

After submitting your request, the Housing Authority will review it. Remember, extensions are not automatically granted. If your request is approved, you will have up to 60 additional days to find suitable housing. Act quickly to ensure your assistance continues without interruption.