Frequently Asked Questions

The Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) is a public agency that provides affordable housing opportunities and community development services to residents of Dakota County, Minnesota. We manage over 2,500 housing units and serve more than 10,000 people daily through various programs including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, senior housing, and homeownership assistance.

We offer several housing programs including:

• Public Housing - Affordable rental units owned and managed by the CDA
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) - Rental assistance for privately-owned housing
• Senior Housing - Housing communities for adults 55 and older
• Workforce Housing - Affordable housing for moderate-income workers
• Homeownership Programs - Down payment assistance and first-time buyer loans
• Homebuyer Education - Free classes to prepare for homeownership

Our main office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We are closed on weekends and major holidays. For after-hours maintenance emergencies, please call 651-675-4499.

You can reach us by:

• Phone: 651-675-4400
• Email: info@dakotacda.org
• Mail: 1228 Town Centre Drive, Eagan, MN 55123
• In Person: Visit our office during business hours

Income limits vary by program and household size. Generally, you must earn below 50-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four in Dakota County, current limits are approximately:

• Very Low Income (50% AMI): $49,050
• Low Income (80% AMI): $78,500

Contact us for current income limits for your specific household size and program of interest.

HUD-funded programs require that at least one member of the household be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status families may be eligible for prorated assistance. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. We conduct background checks and consider factors such as the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Some offenses, such as certain drug-related crimes or sex offenses, may result in denial per federal regulations.

For most programs, the head of household must be 18 years or older. Senior housing communities require at least one household member to be 55 years or older. Emancipated minors may also be eligible in certain circumstances.

You can apply by:

1. Downloading an application from our Forms & Documents page
2. Picking up an application at our office
3. Requesting an application by mail by calling 651-675-4400

Complete the application and submit it with all required documentation.

You will typically need:

• Photo ID for all adults
• Social Security cards for all household members
• Birth certificates for all household members
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns)
• Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Rental history for the past 3-5 years

Wait times vary significantly depending on the program, unit size needed, and your preference selections. Current estimates range from several months to several years. Contact us for current wait time estimates for your specific situation.

Yes, you can apply for multiple programs simultaneously. However, you may only receive assistance from one program at a time. Being on multiple waitlists can increase your chances of receiving assistance sooner.

Rent is typically calculated at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Adjusted income accounts for deductions such as dependent allowances, medical expenses (for elderly/disabled), and childcare costs. The minimum rent is $50 per month.

Utility arrangements vary by property. Some units include all utilities in rent, while others require tenants to pay some utilities directly. A utility allowance is factored into your rent calculation when you pay utilities separately.

Pet policies vary by property. Some properties allow pets with restrictions on type, size, and breed. A pet deposit may be required. Service animals and emotional support animals are permitted in all properties with proper documentation.

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program provides rental assistance that you can use at any eligible privately-owned rental property. You pay approximately 30% of your income toward rent, and the CDA pays the remainder directly to your landlord.

You can use your voucher for any rental unit that meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and where the landlord agrees to participate in the program. This includes apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. You may also be able to "port" your voucher to another jurisdiction.

Once you receive your voucher, you typically have 60-120 days to find an eligible unit. Extensions may be granted in certain circumstances. We provide resources and support to help you in your housing search.

Our down payment assistance program provides up to $10,000 to help first-time homebuyers cover down payment and closing costs. The assistance is provided as a deferred loan that is forgiven over time if you remain in the home as your primary residence.

Yes, completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required to receive down payment assistance. We offer free classes monthly. The course covers budgeting, credit, the home buying process, and maintaining your home.

Credit requirements vary by lender and loan type. Generally, a score of 620 or higher is recommended, though some programs accept scores as low as 580. Our homebuyer education and counseling services can help you improve your credit if needed.