5333.1 Except as noted in this subsection, families may move in accordance with Chapter 85 (Housing Choice Voucher Program: Participant Moves) of this title of the DCMR.

5333.2 Each Family shall give notice to move in accordance with Chapter 85 of this title of the DCMR.

5333.3 DCHA shall not approve requests to move a Family more than once in a twelve (12) month period unless one of the exceptions apply:

1. (a) A victim or Family seeks to move under the protections enumerated in the VAWA;
2. (b) DCHA terminates the HAP contract with the owner; or
3. (c) The move is necessary to grant a request for a reasonable accommodation.

5333.4 Families may only request a Voucher transfer briefing if the Family:

1. (a) Has not been terminated or is not currently being recommended for termination;
2. (b) Is in good standing with the lease in the current unit (no outstanding rent or tenant-responsible utility bills); and
3. (c) Does not have any current tenant-caused HQS violations in their existing unit.

5333.5 Notwithstanding § 5333.4, Families who qualify for emergency transfer vouchers shall be issued a transfer voucher if one (1) or more of the following conditions apply:

1. (a) The family has requested the emergency transfer voucher in writing or on a DCHA or HUD-approved transfer request form and demonstrated a need based on the VAWA protections as explained in § 4907;
2. (b) DCHA has terminated the HAP contract with the Family's landlord;
3. (c) The Owner has initiated eviction proceedings against the Family;
4. (d) DCHA may grant an emergency transfer upon request from the OAG, DOJ, or USAO as a matter of safety; or for witness protection if the family

is within the first year of their lease. Where feasible, DCHA shall seek the written authorization of the Landlord to release the family prior to making any decision about allowing the family to move to another unit, if the family is in the first year of their lease; or

(e) If DCHA determines that the family voucher size is too large, and the family is not within the first year of tenancy.

5333.6 Families may choose to request only one (1) transfer voucher annually, no earlier than thirty (30) days before the month they last entered into a lease and no later than thirty (30) days after they last entered into a lease unless the Family qualifies for one (1) of the emergency conditions as stated in § 5333.6.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 59 DCR 7890, 7913 (June 29, 2012); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 59 DCR 11004, 11005 (September 21, 2012); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 13165 (November 18, 2016); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 65 DCR 13209 (November 30, 2018).