Where Salt Lake City's affordable housing programs are run from

Salt Lake City's affordable housing is managed by three main bodies: the Salt Lake City Housing Authority (SLCHA), the Community Development Services division within the city government, and nonprofit developers who build and operate deed-restricted units. SLCHA handles public housing and vouchers. The city's Community Development Services office oversees local programs and can direct you to current openings. Nonprofits like Community Action Service Agency (CASA) and the Salt Lake Community Land Trust own buildings where rents are permanently capped below market rate.

The fastest way to learn what is currently available is to contact SLCHA directly at their main office or call 211 Utah, which is a free referral line that knows which programs have open waitlists this month. Waitlists and funding change constantly, so a program that was full last month may have openings now.

Key Takeaways

  • Salt Lake City Housing Authority runs the Section 8 voucher program and public housing; Community Development Services manages city-funded programs; nonprofits operate deed-restricted buildings with permanently lower rents.
  • Most affordable housing in Salt Lake City requires income verification and a background check, and many programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness or those with the lowest incomes.
  • Waitlists are common and can be months or years long, so registering early matters even if you do not need housing when ready.
  • 211 Utah and the SLCHA website both list current openings and can tell you whether a specific program is accepting new names for its waitlist.
  • Nonprofit-owned buildings often have shorter waitlists than SLCHA programs but may have stricter income limits or require proof of local employment.

Salt Lake City Housing Authority programs and waitlists

SLCHA operates two main programs: public housing (buildings the authority owns directly) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at a private landlord's property). Both require you to be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, have a valid Social Security number, and meet income limits. For a single person, the income limit is roughly 50% of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. SLCHA verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements.

The Section 8 waitlist in Salt Lake City is currently closed to new applicants, though SLCHA periodically reopens it for a limited time. Public housing has a waitlist that moves slowly—wait times can be two to five years depending on the unit type and neighborhood. You can register for the public housing waitlist even while on the Section 8 waitlist if it reopens. Call SLCHA at their main office or check their website to learn when the next process period begins.

Both programs require a background check and rental history review. Felony convictions, especially for drug manufacturing or violent crimes, can disqualify you. Evictions within the past three years may also block you, though SLCHA reviews each case individually.

Nonprofit and deed-restricted affordable housing in Salt Lake City

Several nonprofits own and operate affordable buildings throughout Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Community Land Trust owns single-family homes and townhouses where the rent or mortgage is permanently capped, even if the property changes hands. CASA operates scattered-site apartments and also manages some SLCHA vouchers. Volunteers of America Utah runs buildings focused on people transitioning from homelessness or experiencing chronic homelessness.

These nonprofits often have shorter waitlists than SLCHA because they operate fewer units, but they may have stricter requirements. Some require proof of employment in Salt Lake County, others prioritize people with disabilities or those exiting homelessness, and some cap income at 30% or 40% of area median income rather than 50%. Income limits and priorities vary by building and change as funding shifts.

To find current openings, contact Community Development Services at the city or call 211 Utah and ask for nonprofit-operated affordable housing. The person on the line can tell you which buildings have openings and what each one requires.

Income limits and what counts as income

Salt Lake City affordable housing programs use area median income (AMI) as the baseline. Programs typically serve households at 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of AMI. For 2024, 50% AMI for a single person in Salt Lake County is approximately $35,000 per year; for a family of four, it is roughly $56,000. These figures change yearly, so confirm the current limit with the program you are interested in.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, and alimony. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. If you are self-employed, programs typically average your income over two years. If your income is seasonal, they average it over twelve months. Bring recent tax returns, pay stubs from the last thirty days, and benefit statements (Social Security, SSDI, TANF, SNAP) to prove your income.

Background checks and rental history requirements

All SLCHA programs and most nonprofit buildings run a criminal background check and review your rental history. A background check looks for felony convictions, especially drug manufacturing, violent crimes, and sex offenses. Misdemeanors and old convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Having a record does not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose it honestly on the process.

Rental history matters significantly. Programs look for evictions, broken leases, and late payments. An eviction within the past three years is a major barrier but not always a permanent one—some programs will overlook it if you can show the reason (job loss, medical emergency) and evidence that your situation has stabilized. If you have no rental history, a letter from a previous landlord, employer, or community organization vouching for your reliability can help.

If you have been homeless or are currently homeless, many programs waive or relax the rental history requirement. Tell the program about your situation; homelessness is often a priority factor that moves you higher on the waitlist.

How to register for a waitlist and what to bring

To register for SLCHA public housing or Section 8 (when the waitlist reopens), visit the SLCHA office in person or call to request an process. You will need to provide your Social Security number, proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency in Utah. Some programs also ask for a list of references and authorization to run a background check.

For nonprofit buildings, contact the organization directly or ask 211 Utah for a referral. Each nonprofit has its own process process and timeline. Some accept applications year-round; others open applications only when a unit becomes available. Registering early is important because waitlists are first-come, first-served, and you may wait months or years before a unit opens.

Keep copies of everything you submit. If you are on multiple waitlists, update each program if your contact information, income, or household size changes. Programs remove people from waitlists if they cannot reach you or if your circumstances change significantly.

Rent amounts and what is included

Rent in SLCHA public housing and nonprofit deed-restricted buildings is set at a percentage of your income—usually 30% of your gross monthly income. If you earn $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. Utilities are sometimes included in the rent; sometimes you pay them separately. Ask the program or building manager what is covered before you sign a lease.

Section 8 vouchers work differently: you find a private apartment, and the voucher covers a portion of the rent. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The voucher amount varies by neighborhood and bedroom size. In Salt Lake City, a one-bedroom voucher covers roughly $900 to $1,100 per month, depending on location. If the apartment rents for $1,200, you pay $100 to $300 out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a unit after I am approved?

For SLCHA public housing, approval can take four to eight weeks, but then you wait on the housing list until a unit matching your needs becomes available—this can be months or years. For Section 8, once approved, you have sixty to ninety days to find a landlord who accepts vouchers. Nonprofit buildings move faster if a unit is vacant, sometimes within weeks, but if no unit is available, you go on a waitlist.

Can I be on multiple waitlists at the same time?

Yes. You can register for SLCHA public housing, wait for Section 8 to reopen, and explore to nonprofit buildings simultaneously. Having multiple applications increases your chances of finding a unit sooner. Just make sure you update all programs if your contact information or circumstances change.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction?

A record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you. SLCHA and nonprofits review each case individually. Be honest on your process and explain the circumstances if possible. Programs that serve people transitioning from homelessness are often more flexible about past evictions. Call the program and ask whether your specific situation would be a barrier before you spend time on a full process.

Do I need to be a Salt Lake City resident to explore?

Most SLCHA programs require you to be a Utah resident, but not necessarily a Salt Lake City resident. Some nonprofit buildings prioritize Salt Lake County residents or people with local employment. Ask the program about residency requirements when you call.

What if the waitlist is closed?

If SLCHA's Section 8 waitlist is closed, focus on nonprofit buildings and public housing. Call 211 Utah monthly to ask when Section 8 might reopen—some years it opens for a few weeks in spring or fall. You can also register for public housing while waiting for Section 8 to reopen.