> Quick answer: Yes, you can add a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, relative or roommate to your Section 8 voucher, but you need written approval from NYCHA, HPD or HCR before they move in. Anyone 16 or older gets a background check, and review takes several weeks to a few months. Only a child added by birth, adoption or court-awarded custody skips pre-approval.
Adding a new household member to your Section 8 voucher in New York City requires approval from both your Housing Authority and your landlord. The process differs depending on whether you're adding a child (through birth, adoption, or custody) or another family member, and the rules vary slightly between NYCHA, HPD, and HCR. This guide walks through exactly what's required.
The Golden Rule: Get Approval First
For most household additions, you must request and receive written approval from the Housing Authority before the person moves in. Moving someone in without prior approval is a serious program violation that can result in termination of your Section 8 assistance.
The only exception is adding a child due to birth, adoption, or court-awarded custody. In those cases, you notify the Housing Authority after the fact, though you should do so promptly.
Two Types of Additions
Additions That Don't Require Pre-Approval
For these situations, notify the Housing Authority as soon as possible after the event:
- Birth of a child
- Legal adoption
- Court-awarded custody
You'll still need to submit paperwork and documentation, but the Housing Authority cannot deny the addition.
Additions That Require Pre-Approval
All other household additions require written approval before move-in:
- Spouse or domestic partner (see can you be married on Section 8)
- Adult children
- Parents or grandparents
- Siblings
- Other relatives
- Non-relatives (partners, roommates, etc.)
- Foster children
- Live-in aides
The Approval Process
Step 1: Request Permission from the Housing Authority
For NYCHA voucher holders:
Submit NYCHA Form 059645B "Section 8 Request for Interim Change Addition to Household" along with supporting documentation. You can:
- Complete the request online through the NYCHA Self-Service Portal
- Call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 to request a paper form
- Visit a NYCHA Walk-In Center
For HPD voucher holders:
Submit HPD Form 2 "Request to Add a Household Member" along with the "Declaration of Change in Household Composition or Income" form. Submit via:
- Online: DTR Document Upload Portal
- Email: DTRAI@hpd.nyc.gov
- Fax: 212-863-5299
- In person: 100 Gold Street, New York, NY
For HCR voucher holders:
Contact the Subsidy Services Bureau at 212-480-6672 or submit through the Section 8 MyHousing Portal.
Step 2: Submit Required Documentation
For every person you want to add, you'll need:
Identity and Eligibility:
Income Documentation (if the person has income):
Other Documentation:
Step 3: Pass the Background Check
The Housing Authority will conduct a criminal background check on anyone being added who is 16 years of age or older. This is a federal HUD requirement.
For NYCHA Section 8, the background check focuses on:
Note: NYCHA's Section 8 program reviews a narrower range of offenses than NYCHA Public Housing. Not all criminal history is disqualifying; what disqualifies you from Section 8 covers the federal rules.
Potential outcomes:
If the person being added has a criminal history, they may be able to strengthen their case by providing:
Step 4: Get Written Approval
The Housing Authority will review your request and notify you in writing of the decision. Do not allow the person to move in until you receive written approval.
For NYCHA, you can check the status of your request through the Self-Service Portal, where the new member will show as "Pending Addition" until approved.
Step 5: Update Your Lease with Your Landlord
After the Housing Authority approves the addition, you must also get your landlord's approval to add the person to your lease. The landlord has the right to:
- Conduct their own screening (credit check, rental history, background check)
- Approve or deny adding the person to the lease
If your landlord approves, you'll sign an updated lease that includes the new household member. The landlord must provide a copy of the updated lease to the Housing Authority.
How Adding Someone Affects Your Benefits
Your Rent May Change
The new household member's income (if any) will be added to your household income. Since your tenant portion is typically 30% of adjusted household income, adding someone with income will likely increase your share of the rent.
Conversely, if you're adding someone without income (like a child or unemployed family member), your share may stay the same or decrease slightly due to dependent deductions.
Your Voucher Size May Change
The Housing Authority determines your voucher size based on household composition. Generally, occupancy standards allow two people of the same sex per bedroom.
If adding a household member means you need a larger apartment, you may be eligible for a larger voucher. However, this doesn't happen automatically. You would need to request a voucher size increase and may need to move to a larger unit.
If the new member is a live-in aide approved by the Housing Authority, you're entitled to one additional bedroom.
Adding a Spouse or Partner
When you get married or enter a registered domestic partnership:
- Submit the addition request with marriage certificate or domestic partnership registration
- Provide the new spouse's income documentation, identification, and Social Security number
- Wait for Housing Authority approval (includes background check)
- Get your landlord to add the spouse to the lease
Your spouse's income will be counted toward household income, which will affect your tenant portion. If your combined income exceeds program limits, you could lose eligibility for Section 8.
Adding a Child
For birth, adoption, or custody:
Notify the Housing Authority promptly after the event. Submit:
You don't need pre-approval, and the Housing Authority cannot deny adding a child in these circumstances.
For adding an adult child (18+):
This requires pre-approval like any other adult addition, including a background check.
Adding a Live-In Aide
A live-in aide is someone who provides necessary supportive services for a household member with a disability. To add a live-in aide:
- Request a reasonable accommodation from the Housing Authority
- Provide documentation of the disability and need for assistance
- Submit information about the proposed aide
- The aide must pass a background check
Key points about live-in aides:
What Happens If You Don't Get Approval
Adding someone to your household without Housing Authority approval is a serious violation. Consequences can include:
- Termination of your Section 8 assistance
- Requirement to repay subsidy received during unauthorized occupancy
- Criminal prosecution for fraud in serious cases
- Permanent ban from housing assistance programs
The Housing Authority may discover unauthorized occupants through:
Timeline
After you submit a complete request with all documentation:
- Review period: Several weeks to a few months, depending on complexity
- Background check: Usually completed within the review period
- Notification: You'll receive written approval or denial
- Lease update: Schedule with your landlord after Housing Authority approval
To speed up the process:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my boyfriend/girlfriend?
Yes, but they must go through the full approval process including a background check. Their income will be counted toward your household income. If you're not married, they would typically be added as an "other adult" rather than a spouse.
Can I add someone temporarily?
The Housing Authority distinguishes between permanent and temporary additions. Temporary permission may be granted for specific circumstances, but the person still needs approval. Guests staying for extended periods without approval violate program rules.
What if my landlord refuses to add the person?
If the Housing Authority approves but your landlord refuses, you may need to move to continue receiving Section 8 assistance with your updated household. Discuss the situation with your Housing Authority caseworker.
Can I add someone with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and timing of the offenses. Section 8 has specific disqualifying offenses (lifetime sex offender registration, meth production in assisted housing) but is generally more lenient than public housing. Older offenses and evidence of rehabilitation can help.
What if adding someone puts me over the income limit?
If your household income exceeds program limits, you may lose eligibility. However, there's a grace period process, and income limits are fairly high (50% of Area Median Income for continued eligibility). Calculate carefully before adding someone with significant income.
How do I remove someone from my household?
Submit a written request to the Housing Authority during your annual recertification or as an interim change. You'll need to provide proof of their new address (lease, utility bill) or explain why you can't provide proof.
Contact Information
NYCHA Section 8:
HPD Section 8:
HCR Section 8:
Resources
- NYCHA Section 8 Tenant FAQ
- NYCHA Reporting Changes
- HPD Section 8 Forms
- HPD Declaration of Change in Household Composition
- Legal Aid Society - Free legal help for housing issues
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