How to Start the Move Process?

This article provides an overview on the new move process as an HCV participant with DCA and how to submit a notice to vacate in order to initiate an elective move. 

Participating families are required to notify their landlord or property manager of their intent to move, regardless of whether they have resided in the unit for more than one year.

A notice to vacate can be submitted to DCA by the landlord or tenant to begin the process. The notice to vacate may be initiated by the landlord (non-renewal or lease termination) or by the tenant prior to the lease expiring. 

The notice to vacate should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the lease expiration- if tenant initiated the NTV or landlord issues a non-renewal. 

Landlords- If the NTV is regarding a lease termination, the reason for the lease termination should be included.

Types of Moves & Processing Time Frames

Elective Moves: Processed within 30 days of receipt. (Examples: relocation for better schools, employment opportunities, neighborhood preferences etc.)

Mandatory Moves: Processed within 10-15 days of receipt. (Example: landlord non-renewal)

Emergency Moves: Processed within 1-5 days of receipt. (Examples: unresolved emergency repairs, fire, natural disasters)

 Reasonable Accommodation: Processed within 14-21 days of receipt. (Examples: medical necessity requiring accessible unit for participant or household members, addition of a Live in Aide)

Notifying your Landlord or Property Management of your intent to vacate is mandatory. Failure to properly notify your landlord may result in delays or denial of your move request.

Where to Find the Notice to Vacate?

As of 10/31/25 at 5PM, all move requests must be submitted through MyPortal. If you do not have access to MyPortal, please see the article How to Register for DCA's Participant Portal through RentCafe? for instructions on how to register.

Once you've logged in to your account, you will have the option to select "Intent to Vacate". 

"Intent to Vacate" can also be found in the drop down menu.

After selecting "Intent to Vacate", you will be prompted with the current move restrictions. It is imperative that you read through the move restrictions to avoid any delays or denials during your move process. 

To download the Notice to Vacate form, you must click the blue, highlighted text. The Notice to Vacate must be completed in its entirety. Please note: certain selections on the Notice to Vacate form will require additional documentation to be submitted along with the NTV. Failure to provide any of the required supporting documents can result in delays or denials. 

Where to submit the Notice to Vacate?

After completing the Notice to Vacate, the form and supporting documents must be uploaded through MyPortal. Once logged in, please navigate to the documents tab. The "Upload Document" feature will only be monitored for notices to vacate (move requests) and accompanying documentation. Please ensure that all other documents are submitted appropriately.