Transfers are defined as a permanent relocation from one unit to another within the same public housing program or portfolio. Temporary relocations differ from transfers, as the resident temporarily moves from the original unit to a temporary lodging for a short period of time before returning to the original unit.

OHA handles three types of transfers and temporary relocations:

  • Emergency transfers or relocations are granted as the result of conditions in the resident’s unit, building or site that pose an immediate, verifiable threat to the life, health or safety of the resident or family members.
  • OHA may require that residents transfer or temporarily relocate to another unit under the following circumstances, including, but not limited to:
    • make an accessible unit available for a disabled family, 
    • ensure compliance with occupancy standards
    • perform demolition, disposition, revitalization or rehabilitation work at a building site.
  • OHA will consider requests to transfer from residents when there is:
    • a verifiable threat of physical harm due to criminal activity
    • domestic or sexual violence that is protected under the Violence Against Women Act
    • an approved request for Reasonable Accommodation that requires a transfer 
    • a change in family size or composition which affects unit compliance with occupancy standards.