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Participants FAQs

1. I reported a change in my household income. Has the change been processed?
Changes in household income must be reported and verified. To determine when the reported change in household income is effective contact the Housing Specialist assigned to your account. For a staff directory go to www.dhc.org 

2. I need to report a change in circumstances (increase or decrease in household income, or change in persons residing in the assisted dwelling). How do I report the change?
To report a change in household income or change in persons residing in the household, contact the Housing Specialist assigned to your account. For a staff directory go to www.dhcmi.org 

3. I have a Detroit Housing Voucher. How do I transfer my housing assistance to another jurisdiction? How do I start the portability process?
You are eligible to transfer your voucher to any housing authority that operates the Housing Choice Voucher Program. You will need to inform your housing specialist at the time of your annual reexamination appointment that you want to transfer to another jurisdiction to start the portability process. Moves are completed at annual reexamination only. Your housing specialist will issue Intent to Move Notice for you and your landlord to complete. Once the form is completed, you will contact your housing specialist to schedule a portability appointment. At the appointment, the housing specialist will issue you a voucher and portability paperwork to transfer to the new jurisdiction. After the appointment, the housing specialist will send your paperwork to the receiving housing authority. The receiving housing authority will contact you within 10 days to schedule a certification appointment to begin assistance in the new location.

4. I have a housing voucher from another jurisdiction. How do I transfer my housing to Detroit?
You will need to contact your current housing authority office to start the portability process. They will advise you on their portability procedures and assist you with moving to Detroit.

5. Will your housing agency bill my housing agency or absorb?
Normal procedures for the Detroit Housing Commission are to bill the initial housing authority for portability.

6. Who is my housing specialist?
You may determine who your housing specialist is by calling our main telephone number at 313-877-8807

7. When is my inspection scheduled?
If you are moving into a new unit, the initial inspection is conducted within five business days from the date the Housing Authority receives your lease packet.

If you are currently in your unit and the inspection is part of the annual recertification process, you will receive a letter providing you with the date and time of the inspection. If you have lost the letter and you need to find out the date and time of your inspection you may contact the Housing Specialist assigned to your account.

8. What is the status of my inspection?
In order to find out the status of your inspection, you may contact the Housing Specialist assigned to your account. Please have the address of the unit available.

9. When is my annual re-certification interview appointment?
All program participants are scheduled for reexamination appointments approximately three months prior to their anniversary date. Home visits are made for participants who are physically unable to come to the office.

10. What is my utility reimbursement amount?
If you qualify for utility reimbursement, you will receive a letter from the DHC that indicates the utility reimbursement amount. The utility reimbursement amount is based on your adjusted income, the type of utility (gas, electric, etc) and the type of unit (apartment, single-family home, etc.).