Resource Library Information for Current Tenant-Based Residents
Overview
Section 8 Housing is a government-funded program that helps low-income households afford a rental on the private marketplace directly with a landlord from the inventory of market-rate rental units.
After you receive a voucher from the Housing Authority, you will select a unit, and you will pay a minimum of 30% of your household’s adjusted gross income toward the rent. The Housing Authority will pay a portion directly to the property. If you decide to move, the voucher moves with you.
Below you’ll find an overview, frequently asked questions, documents, and forms related to our Section 8 housing assistance. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
The rent assistance received from the Housing Choice Voucher Program is called a “Voucher.” Vouchers stay with the tenant and not the housing unit, allowing households to choose a rental unit from the private rental market as long as the property owner is willing to accept the rental assistance.
Click here to visit the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website to learn more about income limits.
Program participants pay a minimum of 30% of their monthly adjusted income toward rent.
The process begins by applying at a housing authority (such as the Scott County CDA) when the waiting list for the program is open. Unfortunately, waiting lists open infrequently because each housing authority has a limited amount of vouchers to administer. It is a good idea to sign up for automatic e-mail alerts from Housinglink.org to get a notification when a waiting list opens. Also, visit our waiting list resource page here for more information about Scott County CDA rental assistance programs.
The rent assistance provided is the difference between the participant’s 30% rent portion and the contract rent from the property owner.
If you have any changes in your household income, please login to our Resident Portal to report the change. All changes must be reported in writing within 10 days of the change. If you are unable to report the change via the Resident Portal, please complete a Household Change Form and send it to our office via mail, email, or dropped off at 100 5th Ave E. Shakopee, MN 55379
If your household changes, you must report this in writing within 10 days to the CDA. Please complete the Household Change Form and mail or fax it to us.
Scott County CDA
100 5th Avenue E
Shakopee, MN 55379
Fax:
952-496-2852
Your voucher size equals the number of bedrooms your household qualifies for, and it is based on your household size and/or approved accommodations. The CDA will determine this at your initial and/or annual recertification.
If you want to move, you must give a two-month (60-day) notice in writing.
Please contact the CDA office at (952) 402-9022 to find out who your caseworker is. Our hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 pm and in the summer months, our Friday hours are 8:00 am to 11:45 am.
You can read more about Fair Housing Resources here.
A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, practices, or services. The change is necessary to afford a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.
If you or a household member have a disability that is impacting your housing situation, please contact your housing specialist for further guidance. Our phone number is (952) 402-9022 and our hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm and in the summer months, our Friday hours are 8:00 am to 11:45 am.
We do not offer emergency housing, but there are resources that we recommend. Since the CDA’s programs operate off a waiting list which may be lengthy, you should contact other resources for assistance below:
Please call 911 if you have immediate concerns about your safety. If domestic violence is impacting your current housing situation, click here to learn about your rights, and call your Housing Specialist for further guidance at (952) 402-9022. Our hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 pm, and in the summer months, our Friday hours are 8:00 am to 11:45 am
Southern Valley Alliance is a local organization with resources and information, and we invite you to visit their website here.
Resources
Household Change Form
Request for Reasonable Accommodation
Declaration of Section 214 Status
Homeline
SMRLS
Housing Link Resources
Related Topics
