How to Move to a New Apartment with CityFHEPS

Yes, you can move with CityFHEPS. But you must get HRA approval before signing a new lease. Signing first and asking permission later is how tenants lose their subsidy at the new address.

If you're on Section 8 instead, see our Section 8 transfer guide for NYCHA-specific steps.

Can You Move with CityFHEPS?

CityFHEPS tenants can generally move at lease end, and mid-lease in situations like unsafe conditions, landlord nonrenewal, or family changes. The move process runs through your HRA case manager: you'll need an updated shopping letter, a new apartment packet from the new landlord, and an apartment review before approval.

The new rent must fit current CityFHEPS maximum rents for your household size. For 2026, those limits are:

• Studio: $2,604
• 1-bedroom: $2,734
• 2-bedroom: $2,997
• 3-bedroom: $3,753
• 4-bedroom: $4,077

These are 2026 figures and change annually when NYC updates payment standards. When you start shopping, ask your case manager for the current limits for your household size.

The Golden Rule: Get Approval Before You Sign

Do not sign a new lease until HRA has approved the new apartment. If you sign first, you risk losing the subsidy at that address. The approval process takes time, so start early.

HRA must review the new apartment to confirm the rent is within limits, the unit meets housing standards, and the landlord is eligible to participate. Only after that approval should you sign.

Step-by-Step: Requesting a Transfer

Contact your HRA case manager to request a transfer. Tell them why you're moving (lease end, conditions, family change, or another reason). They'll explain what paperwork you need and whether you qualify to move mid-lease.

Get an updated shopping letter. Your case manager will issue a new CityFHEPS shopping letter with your current subsidy amount and the maximum rent for your household size. This letter is what you show landlords.

Find an apartment within the limits. Browse CityFHEPS-friendly apartments or search all listings on VoucherMatch. The rent must not exceed the maximum for your household size. When you find a place, confirm the landlord is willing to work with CityFHEPS.

Collect the new apartment packet from the landlord. Once you've found an apartment and the landlord agrees, ask them for the apartment packet. This typically includes a lease, proof of ownership, and sometimes a landlord certification form. Do not sign the lease yet.

Submit the packet to your case manager. Send the new apartment packet to HRA for review. Your case manager will check that the rent is within limits and the unit meets standards.

Wait for HRA approval. Once HRA approves the new apartment, you'll get written confirmation. Only then should you sign the lease.

Coordinate move-out from your old apartment. Give proper notice to your current landlord according to your lease and New York law. Your old lease will end on the date you move out or the lease end date, whichever comes first.

Finding an Apartment Within the New Limits

Your new rent cannot exceed the CityFHEPS maximum for your household size. If you're moving to a smaller unit, the limit drops. If you're moving to a larger unit, the limit rises. Ask your case manager for the exact limit before you start shopping.

When you contact landlords, mention that you have a CityFHEPS voucher and show them your shopping letter. If a landlord says "the apartment is no longer available" right after you mention the voucher, or applies minimum-income requirements like "40x the rent" only to voucher holders, or says "no programs," that's illegal source-of-income discrimination under the NYC Human Rights Law and New York State Human Rights Law. You can file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights or the NYS Division of Human Rights.

What Happens to Your Old Lease

Your old lease ends when you move out or on the lease end date, whichever comes first. Give your current landlord written notice according to your lease terms and New York law (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or at lease end).

If you owe back rent at the old apartment, address it with your case manager rather than hiding it. Rent arrears can complicate transfers. Work with HRA to resolve the situation before or during the move process.

Once you move out, your CityFHEPS subsidy stops at the old address and starts at the new one, assuming HRA has approved the new apartment.

What Landlords Should Know

If you're a landlord considering a CityFHEPS tenant, the move process is straightforward. When a tenant requests to move, they'll ask you for an apartment packet. You'll provide the lease, proof of ownership, and any required certification forms. HRA will review the packet and approve or deny based on rent limits and housing standards. Once approved, the tenant signs the lease and moves in. The subsidy flows directly to you each month, just as it did for the previous tenant.

Refusing to rent to someone because they have CityFHEPS is illegal. If you have questions about the program, contact the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399 or use the ACCESS HRA portal to verify tenant information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move with CityFHEPS before my lease ends? Yes, you can move mid-lease in situations like unsafe conditions, landlord nonrenewal, or family changes. Contact your HRA case manager to discuss your reason and start the transfer process.

What happens if I sign a new lease before HRA approves it? You risk losing the subsidy at the new address. Always wait for HRA approval before signing anything. The new rent must fit current CityFHEPS maximum rents for your household size, and HRA must review the apartment first.

What are the current CityFHEPS rent limits? For 2026, the maximums are: studio $2,604, 1-bedroom $2,734, 2-bedroom $2,997, 3-bedroom $3,753, and 4-bedroom $4,077. These limits change annually when NYC updates payment standards. Your new apartment rent must fall within the limit for your household size.

What if I owe back rent at my current apartment? Address arrears with your case manager rather than hiding them. Rent arrears can complicate transfers, so be upfront about the situation and work with HRA to resolve it before or during the move process.

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have CityFHEPS? No. In New York City, refusing a tenant because they pay with a housing voucher is source-of-income discrimination, which is illegal under the NYC Human Rights Law for buildings with 6 or more units and citywide for most housing. New York State also bans it statewide. If you face discrimination, file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights or the NYS Division of Human Rights.

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