I want to move with my Mobile MRVP Voucher

In order to move, there are several steps in this process and you must be approved by our agency. This article is based on Mobile/Tenant-based Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program only. If you have or suspect you have a different voucher, please see the appropriate section:

• Section 8 Project-Based
• Section 8 Tenant-Based
• MRVP Project Based

If you are unsure what voucher program applies, please contact our Leased Housing Gateway team at [e-mail].

1. Step 1: I want to move. What’s the first step and can I pass in a unit right away?
   • A family can only begin your housing search once they have received a voucher for housing search. The voucher will include the name of the Head of Household, the number of bedrooms the family qualifies for, and the issuance and expiration dates for housing search. In order to receive a housing search voucher, the family must first be found eligible for rental assistance and housing search.
   • Eligibility includes the following:
     1. The family must have proper notice to terminate the lease: The easiest way to provide proper notice is to sign a mutual termination agreement with the property owner of their current assisted unit. For an example on how to fill it out, click here. The form must be signed and dated by the Head of Household as well as the current property owner; it is recommended that at least 30 days’ notice is provided, and that the lease termination be effective for the month. The tenant and owner can also choose not to renew the lease 60 days before the lease is set to renew. An example can be found here.  Forms and documents concerning MRVP lease terminations should be sent to [e-mail]. 

If we receive a relocation packet and no notice, we will not process it. Due to confidentiality we will not be able to explain the reason for delays on processing the paperwork to the new owner.

• Be in good standing with the owner. 
1. You do not owe any back rent the owner.
2. You are not in the process of being evicted for good causes.
• You have not defaulted on a repayment agreement with Metro Housing or about to enter into a repayment agreement.
• Not be in the first year of your lease (the only exceptions are in cases of domestic violence/safety or through an approved reasonable accommodation).
• The family must not be in the termination process from the program for any other reason, such as failure to recertify.

My owner is fine with me moving, that is enough, correct?

Verbal consent from an owner is not legally binding but your lease is. We will not accept notice through any means other than a mutual termination agreement or notice to terminate tenancy used to not renew your lease.  

How will I know if I am eligible?

After submitting proper notice and meeting the requirements, your account will be reviewed by the Leased Housing department. If approved, you will be re-issued a new voucher so you may begin the relocation. Please note this can take a week to process and review from confirmation of your received documents.

Step 2: Recertify

Part of relocating is recertifying again. This is required. Once you have an intent to move and are passing in your mutual termination agreement. You can recertify a few ways:

1. Filling out the electronic packet. Please note, if you take this route, inform the Gateway department you have completed this and it was completed due to your intent to relocate.
2. Request a physical packet. Please note, this can delay the process.

STEP 3: What do I do once I locate a unit? 

Leasing packets are provided to the participant when they have been approved to lease up with their voucher.  If a participant does not have a copy of their voucher and a leasing packet to provide to potential property owners, they have not been approved to move. Completed MRVP leasing packets should be emailed to [e-mail].

STEP 4: The process of an RFPP

Once the RFPP and applicable documents have been passed in, the paperwork will be reviewed and submitted by our relocation department. If all documentation is correct and there is no missing documents, the owner will be provided with an inspection letter for ISD if the unit is located in Boston. If the unit is outside Boston, the owner will need to go directly to the city health board to schedule the inspection. Metro Housing Boston does not faciliate the inspection process for MRVP Voucher Holders and does not assist in payments for the cost of inspections.

The unit passes inspection: Once the inspection occurs, the property owner will need to send us the approval. We will then submit the rent to the Market Analyst to determine the contract rent approval.

The unit passes inspection, but the rent is not approved and cannot be negotiated: If the owner rejects the approval contract rent provided by the Market Analyst, then the unit is considered a no-go.  

The unit does not pass inspection: 

Once the inspection occurs and we receive the results, the owner will need to make the repairs. This time frame varies as the owner will then need to contact ISD or the local health board for reinspection.

The unit fails inspection again or the owner refuses to make repairs

If the new unit does not pass inspection, we will not be able to approve the unit. You can reinstate your current unit with our reinstatement form or locate a new unit and pass in a new owner packet starting steps 3-4 over again.

I am unable to find a unit, now what?

If you are unable to find a unit, you can sign a reinstatement form with your current owner and either reinstate indefinitely or with a new termination date.