Section 8 Emergency Transfer in NYC: How to Request One

If you're a Section 8 voucher holder in New York City facing a dangerous situation, whether that's domestic violence, stalking, witness intimidation, or an unsafe living condition, you may qualify for an emergency transfer. This process allows you to move to a new unit outside of the normal transfer timeline, which is critical when safety is on the line.

Emergency transfers work differently than regular voluntary transfers, which are only permitted once a year after you've been in your unit for at least 10 months. With an emergency transfer, you can request to move at any time regardless of how long you've been in your current apartment.

What Qualifies as an Emergency Transfer?

NYCHA recognizes several categories of emergency transfers for Section 8 voucher holders:

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) victims: This includes victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Despite the name, VAWA protections apply to all victims regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Intimidated witnesses (IW): People who have witnessed a crime and face danger because of it.

Intimidated victims (IV): Victims of crimes who face ongoing danger.

Victims of traumatic incidents (VTI): People who experienced a traumatic event connected to their housing.

Other emergency situations: These include 24-hour failed inspections (serious safety hazards like gas leaks or fires), court actions, foreclosure and orders to vacate, natural disasters, and reasonable accommodation requests.

How VAWA Protections Work

The Violence Against Women Act provides specific federal protections for housing assistance recipients. Under VAWA:

A housing authority cannot deny you admission to Section 8 or terminate your assistance just because you're a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The law recognizes that victims shouldn't lose their housing because of crimes committed against them.

Housing authorities must have an emergency transfer process in place for VAWA victims. NYCHA's process allows you to request relocation to a safer unit.

VAWA also allows (but doesn't require) bifurcation of a lease, which means removing the abuser from the household while protecting the victim and other innocent family members. If your abuser is on the lease and you need to stay in your current unit, this may be an option.

One important change since 2017: VAWA victims are no longer required to submit third-party documentation to prove they qualify for an emergency transfer. You can self-certify using the HUD certification form. This makes the process more accessible for survivors who may not have police reports or other formal documentation.

Who Can Apply for an Emergency Transfer?

Any Section 8 participant can apply, including:

The head of household

Any household member

An "affiliated individual" (defined as a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or someone in your care, custody, or control)

Guests, unassisted household members, and live-in aides are not eligible for VAWA protections that are available to Section 8 participants.

How to Request an Emergency Transfer

You can submit your request in two ways:

Online via the NYCHA Self-Service Portal: Go to selfserve.nycha.info and submit your transfer request. This is the fastest method and allows you to check your status 24/7.

By completing paper forms: Fill out the Voucher Holder Request for Transfer (NYCHA Form 059.004). If you're requesting a portability transfer to move outside NYC, also complete Form 059.723. You can get these forms by calling the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or visiting a NYCHA Walk-In Center.

For VAWA transfers, you'll need to complete the VAWA section on the transfer form. You may also choose to submit the HUD Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking form, though third-party documentation is no longer required for VAWA victims.

For intimidated witness, intimidated victim, and traumatic incident transfers, you must submit third-party documentation. The specific requirements are listed on the Tenant Transfer Fact Sheet (NYCHA Form 059.648), available at walk-in centers or by calling the Customer Contact Center.

What Happens After You Submit

NYCHA will review your request and determine whether it qualifies as an emergency transfer. You'll receive a letter at your current address (or an alternate address you specify on the form) stating whether your request was approved or disapproved.

You can check the status of your request anytime through the NYCHA Self-Service Portal.

If approved, you'll receive a transfer voucher that's valid for 180 days. This gives you time to find a new unit and complete the move-in process. If you need more time, you can request an extension from NYCHA.

Important Limitations to Understand

NYCHA's emergency transfer program is not a witness protection program. The agency cannot guarantee the safety or security of individuals who apply or are transferred. While the transfer moves you to a different unit, you should still take reasonable precautions for your safety.

You can choose to stay within your current zip code if you feel safe doing so, or you can transfer to a different area. You're not required to exclude any specific locations.

Wait times can be significant. According to recent reports, the average wait time for emergency transfers has been quite long, though NYCHA has been working to improve processing times. The timeline depends on voucher availability and the approval process.

Emergency Transfers for Public Housing vs. Section 8

The process differs depending on which program you're in:

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher): You submit your request through NYCHA's Self-Service Portal or via paper forms. Once approved, you receive a transfer voucher and can search for any unit in the private market that accepts Section 8 (within NYC or through portability to another jurisdiction).

Public Housing: Residents contact the Property Management office at their building to request a transfer. The transfer depends on availability of a comparably sized unit in a safe location, and there's no guaranteed timeline. Public housing tenants must continue paying rent on their current unit while waiting for a transfer, even if they're temporarily living elsewhere for safety reasons.

If you're in public housing and experiencing domestic violence, NYCHA will not pursue non-payment proceedings if you've vacated for safety reasons, provided you've been approved for the transfer and submitted documentation showing you left for safety. You can email documentation to VAWATempRelo@nycha.nyc.gov.

If Your Abuser Is on the Lease

If the person causing danger is a co-lessee on your lease, you have options:

Bifurcation: This process splits the lease to remove the abuser while allowing you (and other innocent household members) to keep your housing assistance. The abuser loses their right to remain in the unit.

Transfer: You can also request an emergency transfer to move to a new unit entirely, leaving the abuser behind. NYCHA will not nullify your transfer request based on any legal action taken against remaining household members.

These options can sometimes be pursued simultaneously. Speak with your case worker or a housing advocate to determine the best approach for your situation.

Section 8 Agencies in NYC

New York City has three agencies that administer Section 8:

NYCHA: The largest program in the city. Contact the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or use the Self-Service Portal.

HPD (Department of Housing Preservation and Development): For HPD Section 8 transfers, report to 100 Gold Street in Manhattan with any documentation you have. If you don't have documentation, HPD will provide a HUD form for self-certification.

HCR (New York State Homes and Community Renewal): Contact the Subsidy Services Bureau at 25 Beaver Street in Manhattan with your documentation. If you lack documentation, HCR will provide a HUD form.

Make sure you know which agency administers your voucher and contact the correct one for your transfer request.

Resources for Survivors

If you're in an abusive situation, these resources can help beyond the housing transfer process:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Victim Connect Resource Center: 1-855-484-2846
• NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV): Operates Family Justice Centers providing social services, civil legal assistance, and criminal justice support. Visit nyc.gov/endgbv

Official Resources

• NYCHA Section 8 Transfers page
• NYCHA VAWA Transfers FAQ
• NYCHA Self-Service Portal
• NYCHA Emergency Transfer FAQ (Public Housing)
• NYCHA VAWA Resources
• NYCHA Customer Contact Center: 718-707-7771

---

Looking for housing that accepts Section 8? Browse voucher-friendly listings from landlords who welcome housing choice vouchers.

Landlord interested in Section 8 tenants? List your property on VoucherMatch and connect with voucher holders searching for safe housing.