More time to find a unit

A voucher is good for a set number of days while you look for a unit. If you need more time, ask the housing authority in writing before the voucher expires.

This is not legal advice and not a decision by a housing authority. Applying for a voucher is free.

The first term

The first term of a voucher is at least 60 days. That rule is in 24 CFR 982.303. The authority can give a longer first term, and it can extend the voucher. The briefing packet should say how to ask.

An extension is not automatic. Ask early. Say what you have already done to look, and the date the voucher expires. If you need more time because of a disability, say that you are requesting a reasonable accommodation. The authority has to consider that request.

Letter you can copy

Fill in the brackets. Then send it the way your housing authority accepts mail, email, or a portal message.

[Date]

[Housing authority name]
[Housing authority address]

Re: Request to extend my Housing Choice Voucher

My name is [your name]. My client number, if I have one, is [number]. My voucher expires on [date].

I am asking you to extend the voucher so I can keep looking for a unit. So far I have [one sentence about the search: applications submitted, areas you looked, or a barrier such as a unit that failed inspection].

[If this is because of a disability, add: I have a disability, and I am asking for this extra time as a reasonable accommodation.]

Please write back with the new expiration date, or with the reason if you deny the request. You can reach me at [phone] or [email]. My mailing address is [address].

Thank you,
[Your name]

Where this comes from

24 CFR 982.303, term of a voucher.
24 CFR part 8 and the Fair Housing Act, for a disability-related extension.