Since 1988, the Dakota County CDA has been providing affordable senior rental units to Dakota County’s growing and active senior population. Since then, the CDA has developed senior housing developments in each of the eleven major cities in Dakota County.
Is there an application fee?
There is a $34 application fee for processing your application that will be assessed when you come in for your briefing appointment. You will not be charged this fee when you fill out your initial application for the Senior Housing Program. This fee covers the cost of credit and criminal background reports to verify your eligibility for the Senior Housing Program.
Is there a background check?
Yes, the CDA will be screening your file for criminal background, credit, and past landlord history. You can learn more in this document:
Dakota County CDA Screening Criteria
How much is the security deposit?
The security deposit is equal to one month’s rent.
What income and assets are reviewed for program eligibility?
Annual income is the anticipated total income from all sources received by all household members. If the household has net assets in excess of $5,000, annual income will include the greater of the actual income derived from assets or 4% of the value of the assets.
All income and asset information will be verified by the CDA. Income will be verified by third party verification. If third party written verification is not possible, a review of documentation provided by the household such as benefit checks, income tax returns, benefit award letters, savings and checking account statements, estimated market value of real estate from tax documents, savings bond redemption values, and other supporting documents may be accepted.
For more information about annual income for this program, you can review the Senior Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy.
Can I use my Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance with this program?
Yes, you can use rental assistance such as Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) with the Senior Housing Program.
How long is the waiting list?
Waiting list length depends on location. Typically the wait is between 18 to 24 months for preference applicants. Wait time cannot be estimated for non-preference applicants.
Do I have to take the first unit I’m offered when I reach the top of the waiting list?
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be contacted to provide information to confirm program eligibility. Once you’ve been deemed eligible for the program, you will choose up to four properties in the CDA’s portfolio that you’d like to live at. Once there is a unit available, you will be offered the unit. If you decline four unit offers, you are removed from the waiting list and will need to reapply.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed.
What is the square footage of the apartment?
One-bedroom apartments range from 650-750 square feet.
Two-bedroom units range from 850-950 square feet.
Can I see the buildings?
When you are offered a unit you will have the chance to tour the building and the apartment unit.
Virtual tours of the exterior and common area spaces of each building can be found on our Senior Housing Developments page.
Are the buildings secure?
Yes, all entrances to the building and the underground parking garage are secure.
What appliances are included in the apartments?
All of the apartments include a refrigerator, electric stove and microwave.
Is there a dishwasher in the apartments?
No, the apartments do not have dishwashers.
Are there washer/dryer hook-ups in the apartments?
No, but there are community laundry rooms with coin operated washers and dryers available in the building.
Are there ceiling fans?
Most of the developments do have ceiling fans and the apartments that don’t will have a ceiling fan installed in the living room/dining room area in the near future. Residents are allowed to add their own ceiling fans, but are required to check with their property manager first and must follow all safety guidelines.
Are there garages? Are they heated?
Yes, underground heated parking is available at all of the senior housing buildings. Underground parking spaces are an additional $50 per month.
Can I rent more than one garage space?
Yes, as long as spaces are available.
Is there air conditioning in the apartments?
Yes, there are air conditioning units in all of the apartment units. Residents are responsible for the electrical cost of using the air conditioning.
Are there activities in the building?
A resident social committee is formed at each building that coordinates activities such as crafts, bingo, card games, bus outings, coffee breaks, etc. The types of activities vary from building to building and participation is optional.
What is the Senior Nutrition Program and where is it available?
The CAP Agency of Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties provides meals as part of the Senior Nutrition Program at some of the CDA’s senior buildings. The program is available at Carmen Court and Cahill Commons (Inver Grove Heights), Oakwoods (Eagan), Parkview Plaza and Village Commons (Mendota Heights), Vermillion River Crossing (Farmington) and Winsor Plaza (Lakeville). Seniors living in buildings without the program are able to order meals by contacting the CAP Agency (952-402-9855) to make a meal reservation. Reservations must be made seven business days in advance.
Any adult over the age of 60 is eligible for the program, regardless of income. A donation of $5 per meal is suggested, but not required. No senior is denied meal service.
