Programs
The Madison Housing Authority (MHA) administers a variety of housing and supportive service programs that help income-qualified households access and maintain safe, decent, and affordable housing in the Borough of Madison.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and program guidelines. Select a program below to learn more.
Program 01 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Waiting List Closed
What Is the Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8, helps income-qualified households afford housing in the private rental market.
Participants choose a rental unit from a private landlord within the Madison Housing Authority's jurisdiction. In most cases, participating households pay approximately 30% of their adjusted household income toward rent and utilities, and HUD pays the remaining approved subsidy directly to the landlord through a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
Because this is a federally funded program, applicants and participants must meet income eligibility requirements and provide documentation to verify household income, assets, and family composition.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is based on household income, family composition, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and other requirements established by HUD and the Madison Housing Authority. The program uses the following local preferences when selecting applicants from the waiting list:
- Residency Preference — Households that live or have verifiable employment in the Borough of Madison.
- Working Preference — At least one adult works a minimum of 30 hours per week, or the head of household is age 62 or older or is disabled and receives disability-based income.
- Lease-in-Place Preference — Households currently living in Madison who wish to use a voucher in the unit they already occupy.
Meeting one or more preferences does not guarantee assistance; preferences only determine the order in which eligible applicants are selected from the waiting list.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted only when the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open.
Portability
Current Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants may be eligible to transfer their voucher to another housing authority through the portability process, subject to HUD regulations and program requirements.
If you wish to transfer your voucher to Madison Housing Authority, notify your current housing authority. Your housing authority must send your portability packet directly to Madison Housing Authority.
Please note: Madison Housing Authority is currently at full capacity and is not absorbing incoming portability vouchers at this time. Incoming portability families will continue to be administered by their initial housing authority under a billing arrangement until funding becomes available.
Portability packets may be mailed, emailed, or faxed directly by the Initial Housing Agency. Packets cannot be hand-delivered by participants.
Attn: Jessica Kirchenbauer, Rental Assistance Manager
24 Central Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
Program 02 MHA Housing (RAD) Waiting Lists Closed
What Is the Program?
The Madison Housing Authority owns and manages 134 affordable rental apartments throughout Madison that are assisted through HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project-Based Voucher Program.
Residents generally contribute approximately 30% of their adjusted household income toward rent. HUD provides rental assistance that covers the difference between the tenant's contribution and the approved contract rent.
In 2015, MHA converted its former public housing portfolio through HUD's RAD program, preserving these affordable homes while providing greater flexibility to maintain and improve the properties.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is based on household income, family composition, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and other HUD and MHA requirements. Applicants receive the following local preferences when selected from the waiting list:
- Regional Residency Preference — Households that live or have verifiable employment in Essex, Morris, Union, or Warren Counties.
- Working Preference — At least one adult works a minimum of 30 hours per week, or the head of household is age 62 or older or is disabled and receives disability-based income.
- Additional preferences may apply based on the type of housing and household composition.
Meeting one or more preferences does not guarantee housing; preferences only determine selection order from the waiting list.
Program 03 Borough of Madison Affordable Housing List Open
What Is the Program?
The Madison Housing Authority serves as the Administrative Agent for the Borough of Madison's Affordable Housing Program.
The program includes affordable rental and homeownership opportunities developed throughout Madison under New Jersey's affordable housing requirements. These homes are owned and managed by private property owners and developers, while MHA administers the application, certification, and ongoing compliance process.
Unlike federal housing programs, eligibility and rents or sales prices are established under New Jersey affordable housing regulations and vary based on household income, household size, and the affordability designation of each unit.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is based on household income, household size, and the requirements established for each affordable housing unit. Applicants must meet the applicable income limits and occupancy requirements before they can be certified for an available unit.
Program 04 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Voluntary Program
What Is the Program?
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program that helps participating households increase their earned income, build financial stability, and work toward long-term goals.
Participants work with MHA's Social Services Coordinator to develop a personalized plan that may include employment, education, financial literacy, homeownership, and other self-sufficiency goals. As household income increases, eligible participants may build savings in an escrow account that can be accessed upon successful completion of the program.
Who Is Eligible?
The FSS Program is available to current participants in the Madison Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and MHA Housing (RAD) Program. It is not available to households participating only in the Borough of Madison Affordable Housing Program.
Program 05 Moving to Work (MTW) HUD Demonstration
What Is the Program?
The Madison Housing Authority participates in HUD's Moving to Work (MTW) Demonstration Program, a national initiative that gives selected housing authorities greater flexibility to administer federal housing programs.
MTW allows MHA to test innovative policies, simplify program administration, promote self-sufficiency, and make more effective use of federal housing resources while continuing to serve eligible households.
Any changes to MHA's housing programs made under MTW authority are subject to public review and approval by MHA's Board of Commissioners and HUD.
Common Questions
How long will I wait for housing?
The length of time depends on many factors, including your household size, bedroom eligibility, program availability, and how often units or vouchers become available. Because these factors change over time, we cannot estimate how long you will remain on a waiting list. We encourage applicants to apply to all housing programs for which they may be eligible and to join waiting lists in communities where they are interested in living.
Do you offer emergency housing?
No. The Madison Housing Authority does not provide emergency housing. If you are experiencing a housing emergency, please contact your county's social services agency or dial 2-1-1 for available resources.
How do I update my address, phone number, email, or household information while I am on a waiting list?
Applicants are responsible for keeping their contact and household information current. Changes must be made through the applicant portal where you submitted your application. Failure to keep your information up to date may result in missed notifications or removal from the waiting list.
How will I know if a waiting list opens?
Waiting list openings are announced on the Madison Housing Authority website and through other public notice methods as required. We encourage interested applicants to check our website periodically for updates.
Can I transfer my Housing Choice Voucher to another area?
Housing Choice Voucher participants may be eligible to move to another housing authority through a process called portability. Eligibility requirements and procedures apply. Please see our Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program page for more information.
Fair Housing
The Madison Housing Authority is committed to providing housing and services in accordance with all applicable federal and state fair housing laws.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you may file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or the appropriate New Jersey enforcement agency.
If you require a reasonable accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in one of our programs or services, please contact our office.
Opportunity