What is a Tenant Code or “T-Code” and why should I know my T-Code?
The Tenant Code or T-Code is a unique sequence of letters and numbers used to identify families on the HCV program and which also protects your personal information. All correspondence sent to you as a program participant includes your T-Code. To further protect your privacy, correspondence sent to you from SHRA typically includes a barcode at the bottom of the document which can be scanned at the kiosk located inside the 630 I Street office lobby for faster service.

I would like to move to Sacramento. Is Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) accepting voucher portability transfers to Sacramento (ports) at this time?
Yes. The Housing Agency that issued your current voucher must be contacted first to request your port (transfer). If the port is approved, you will be under the purview of both Housing Agencies from that point forward. If you transfer to a unit within Sacramento County, members of your household must meet the adopted standards for Sacramento which include:
• Passing background checks for criminal activity and evictions (applicable to adults)
• Following the rules and regulations adopted by the Sacramento HCV Program
• Abiding by the family obligations as an HCV Program participant

How long am I allowed to have a visitor stay with me?
A visitor may stay no more than 30 consecutive days or a total of 30 days in a twelve month period. You should also check your signed lease agreement with the Owner to ensure you are not violating any visitor policy mentioned in the lease.

I would like to move outside of Sacramento County? Do I lose my voucher? If not, what do I need to do?
The first step is to send a written request to SHRA that you would like to move. If you are eligible to move you will then be scheduled to attend a meeting to review the process known as a mover’s briefing. At this session moving outside of Sacramento County (porting), will be explained to you and the proper forms will be provided.

Can my live in aide be my family member?
A live in aide can be a family member as long as this family member is not currently living in the assisted unit.

Can I rent a unit from a family member?
The Housing Authority will not approve a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with any property owner who is related to the tenant. The Housing Authority may waive this restriction as a reasonable accommodation for a family member with a disability.

How do I report changes to my HCV household? What type of changes do I need to disclose?
HCV program participants must report all household changes to SHRA within thirty (30) days using the form linked  here, HCV Household Change Form. All changes other than birth, adoption or court awarded custody of a child require approval by SHRA. Participants must also report any change to the household income, or any addition/removal of an individual from the household within 30 days. Documents can be mailed in to the office (630 I Street, Sacramento CA 95814), faxed in at 916-449-1285 or dropped off at the HCV drop box located outside of the 630 I Street offices. Documents are removed from the HCV drop box at least four times a day during normal business hours.

Is the voucher transferable to another family member in the event of the death of the voucher holder?
The voucher may be transferred to the partner or spouse in the household in the event of the death of the primary voucher holder. If there is no partner or spouse, the voucher may be transferred to the remaining adult family member, if that person has been a part of the household for at least one year and was added to the household with Housing Authority approval. If the remaining family member is a minor, another adult authorized to care for the minor child may be approved to reside in the home and may be issued the voucher.

What do I do if a member of my household passes away?
Please report this to the Housing Authority in writing within 30 days, by completing the form linked here HCV Household Change Form. If possible please also furnish a copy of the death certificate.

What do I do if a member of my family was arrested?
If the arrest resulted in a conviction or an absence from the home for longer than 30 days, you must report this in writing to the Housing Authority within 30 days.

What do I do if I am going away for more than 30 days and won’t be living in my unit for that time period?
The family must provide written notice to the Housing Authority in advance and obtain approval of their intent to be absent from the unit for 30 or more consecutive days.

I would like to move but cannot find housing. Do I have an option to share a house with others?
Yes, shared housing is always a housing option. Shared Housing is a single housing unit occupied by an assisted family and another resident/family. The shared unit consists of both common space for the use of the occupants of the unit and separate private space for each assisted family. For more information on Shared Housing please contact the HCV Owner Service Department at 916-440-1390.

What is a “reasonable accommodation”?
A “reasonable accommodation” is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the housing program. A reasonable accommodation must be requested  in writing in order for it to be considered. The disability and the need for an accommodation must be verified. SHRA’s reasonable accommodation policy can be found here under the Public Housing Agency Plans and Reports tab in the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan document.

For additional assistance please call us at 916.440.1390 or visit the HCV Office located at 630 I Street in downtown Sacramento. Our offices are open Monday – Friday from 8am to 5pm excluding holidays.