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CDA Housing

Porting (Moving) to Madison

CDA is billing all incoming portable vouchers. You can only port to Madison if your current Housing Authority agrees to a billing arrangement.

"Portability" means transferring or "porting" your rental subsidy when you move to a new location with a different public housing agency.

You need to follow this process if you are moving to the City of Madison and want to continue to get housing assistance through Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).

How to Port your Voucher

  1. Contact your Initial Housing Authority

    Contact your Initial Housing Authority (IHA) and request to port to the City of Madison. Your IHA is the agency that currently subsidizes your housing.

    If you are eligible, your IHA will send your paperwork to the City of Madison Community Development Authority (CDA):

    • Email: CDAPortability@cityofmadison.com
    • Mail: Community Development Authority
      Attn: Portability
      PO Box 1785 
      Madison, WI 53701-1785
    • Fax: 608-264-9291 or 608-266-4735

    They should send your paperwork 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to move.

  2. Send Portability Application

    The CDA will contact you by phone or email when we receive your paperwork, using the contact information your IHA provided. You may also contact us to update your phone number and mailing address.

    We'll send you a Portability Application by email or mail.

    Fill out and return the application and any additional required documents. Required documents are listed in the cover letter attached to the application.

    Send your application to: 

    • Email: CDAPortability@cityofmadison.com
    • Mail: Community Development Authority
      Attn: Portability
      PO Box 1785 
      Madison, WI 53701-1785
    • Fax: 608-264-9291 or 608-266-4735

  3. Receive CDA Voucher

    Once we receive your application, we will determine if you are eligible to port to the City of Madison.

    If you are eligible, we will send your voucher and other documents to you by email or mail. If you prefer to schedule an in-person appointment to receive your documents, please let your Housing Specialist know.

  4. Search for Housing

    Search for vacant housing and apply with the housing provider. When the provider approves your application, we will contact them to schedule an inspection.

    Visit using housing vouchers for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the process to get my CDA voucher?

Your current housing authority should send your paperwork 6-8 weeks before you plan to move to the City of Madison.

We will send you a CDA portability application within one week of receiving your portability paperwork from your Initial Housing Authority (IHA). Once we receive your completed application and required documents, it will take about one week to process your application.

Can my voucher be extended?

Possibly. We will automatically add 30 days to your current voucher expiration date. You must request all other extensions from your Initial Housing Authority (IHA). We will not provide additional extensions.

How is eligibility determined?

The CDA will screen your portability application for any Sex Offender Registry requirements. The CDA may deny or terminate Section 8 assistance in accordance with 24 CFR Part 5, and 24 CFR 982.552 and 982.553.

We will notify you and your Initial Housing Authority (IHA) that you have been denied to port to the City of Madison and your paperwork will be returned to your IHA.

What if I find a unit outside the City of Madison?

If you locate a unit outside the City of Madison, you must request we return your paperwork to your Initial Housing Authority (IHA). Your IHA will then need to send your paperwork to the appropriate Housing Authority.

The Dane County Housing Authority manages Section 8 assistance in Dane County, outside the city limits of Madison, including Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, Monona, McFarland, Stoughton, Verona, and others. If you wish to move to one of these areas, please request your paperwork be sent to the Dane County Housing Authority.

Where can I stay while I am searching for housing?

The CDA does not provide any emergency housing. If you do not have a place to stay in Madison while searching for a unit, you can contact Housing Navigation Services at:

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