Yes, Section 8 voucher holders may be able to temporarily relocate if living conditions become unsafe due to coronavirus. However, you may still be responsible for your portion of the monthly rent for your home unless there is a suspension on rent payments in your area.
Contact your caseworker and tell them the situation and request approval to leave the apartment on a temporary basis. It is very important to ask what the procedure is, get their decision in writing, and keep in contact with your apartment manager and your caseworker during the time you are absent.
Be aware that Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) can request additional information from you to verify the need for relocation and PHAs are not required to grant these requests, in advance of a specific local health department directive.
PHAs can also request verification from a medical health professional or the state or local health department as part of reviewing special requests related to COVID-19.
PHAs can allow current resident families to use vacant units for temporary relocation if separation is recommended by the health department or a medical health professional.
Under Housing Choice Voucher rules, participants can be absent from the family, on a temporary basis for up to 180 executive days for many different reasons, including illness. But usually it is the participant with the illness that is leaving. In these times of social distancing, the caseworker may decide there is a good cause to permit you to leave on a temporary basis.
