Incoming Portability - Things You Should Know
Incoming Portability - Things You Should Know
- It is imperative that the head of household along with all adults 18 years and older attend the schedule briefing. Failure to do so will delay the process.
- All Family Members 18 years and older who are porting to the West Palm Beach Housing Authority (WPBHA) must pass a criminal background.
- Please keep in mind that you should have temporary housing as the portability process is lengthy.
- Only after you have completed the Intake Process & Briefing will you be issued a Voucher & Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet to search for a unit.
- After the RFTA is completed by the prospective owner/landlord and tenant it must be submitted to the West Palm Beach Housing Authority for review by the assigned Housing Specialist. Once the paperwork (RFTA Packet) has been received, reviewed and it has been determined that the rent is reasonable and affordable for the family, a Housing Quality and Standards (HQS) Inspection request will be submitted.
- HQS Inspections are process within 7 to 14 days (There are no rushed inspection). Please understand that all inspections may not pass during the first inspection. (It is very important to have temporary housing when porting to our jurisdiction).
- The family is authorized to move into the unit only if there is a passed inspection and an executed lease between the tenant and landlord. Families who move into the unit prior to the unit passing inspection and the final approval from the WPBHA is responsible for the full rent. The Housing Authority will only make payments on the unit from the pass inspection date moving forward (No Retro Payments will be made).
- Payments are made to the landlord on the 1st day of the month after the executed Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract has been provided to the Housing Authority.
- If you decide that you are not interested in porting to our jurisdiction, please submit your request in writing and your paperwork will be returned to your initial housing agency. The WPBHA will not forward your portability information or request to another Housing Agency it must be returned to your initial Housing Agency.
- Please have temporary housing when porting into the West Palm Beach Housing Authority jurisdiction as the port process is very lengthy.
