What the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City is and who runs it

The Housing Authority of Salt Lake City (HASLC) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing for low-income residents in Salt Lake City and some surrounding areas. It is not a private company — it is run by a board of commissioners appointed by the mayor and operates under state law. The agency owns roughly 3,000 units across the city, ranging from single-family homes to apartment complexes.

HASLC does two main things: it rents units directly to tenants at below-market rates, and it administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which gives money to tenants so they can rent from private landlords. If you are looking for affordable housing in Salt Lake City, HASLC is often the first place to start because it controls both public housing and vouchers.

The agency's offices are located in downtown Salt Lake City, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person. Their website lists current openings, income limits, and how to get on waiting lists. Unlike private landlords, HASLC has formal rules about how long you wait, how they choose tenants, and what happens if you break the lease.

Key Takeaways

  • HASLC owns and rents apartments directly to low-income tenants, and also gives vouchers that let you rent from private landlords at a reduced cost.
  • To get HASLC housing or a voucher, your household income must be below a certain level — the limit changes each year and depends on family size.
  • Most HASLC housing has a waiting list, and how long you wait depends on the specific property and how many people are ahead of you.
  • You can contact HASLC directly by phone or visit their office to ask about current openings and to request an process.

HASLC public housing: how to get on the waiting list

HASLC public housing is the agency's own rental units. To get on the waiting list, you must first meet income limits set by the federal government. For Salt Lake City, a single person's income typically cannot exceed a certain amount, and the limit is higher for larger families. These limits change each year, so you need to check the current year's numbers on HASLC's website or by calling them directly.

Once you confirm you are within the income range, you request an process from HASLC. You can do this in person at their office, by phone, or sometimes online through their website. When you submit the process, you will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a photo ID, and information about your household. HASLC will verify this information before you are added to the waiting list.

The waiting list is not first-come, first-served for all units. HASLC prioritizes based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of your income toward rent. Once you are on the list, you wait until a unit becomes available in a building where you meet the priority criteria. Wait times vary widely — some buildings have short lists, others have waits of several years.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher is money from HASLC that goes toward your rent at a private apartment or house. You find the place yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HASLC pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the rest out of your own pocket — usually 30 percent of your household income, though this can vary.

To get a voucher, you must meet the same income limits as public housing. You request an process from HASLC, provide proof of income and identity, and go on a waiting list. The voucher waiting list is typically longer than the public housing list because more people want vouchers — they give you more choice in where to live. Wait times in Salt Lake City have ranged from several months to several years depending on funding and demand.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a rental unit. The landlord must agree to participate in the program and pass an inspection. HASLC will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, and safe electrical systems. If the unit passes, the voucher is activated and you move in. You stay on the voucher as long as you follow the lease and HASLC's rules, even if your income goes up slightly.

Income limits and how they affect your chances

HASLC uses federal income limits to decide who can get housing or a voucher. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the area's median income. For Salt Lake City, the limits are typically around 50 percent of the area median income for public housing, though some programs use 60 percent.

The limits are higher for larger families. A single person might have a limit of around $35,000 to $40,000 per year (these numbers change annually), while a family of four might have a limit around $50,000 to $60,000. You need to check HASLC's current income limits because they are updated each year and the exact numbers matter for your process.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot get HASLC housing or a voucher. If your income is below the limit, you are income-may be able to access, but that does not mean you will get housing — you still have to go through the process process and wait your turn. Some people on the waiting list have been there for years.

What happens after you are approved and move in

Once HASLC approves you and you move into a unit or set up a voucher, you sign a lease. For public housing, the lease is between you and HASLC. For a voucher, the lease is between you and the private landlord, but HASLC is involved because they are paying part of the rent. You are responsible for paying your portion of the rent on time, keeping the unit in good condition, and following all lease rules.

HASLC can inspect your unit periodically to make sure it is being maintained and that you are following the lease. If you break the lease — for example, by not paying rent, causing damage, or violating house rules — HASLC can start eviction proceedings. The rules are the same as with any landlord, but HASLC follows formal procedures because it is a government agency.

If your income changes, you must report it to HASLC. If your income goes up significantly, you may eventually lose your housing or voucher because you will no longer be income-may be able to access. However, HASLC usually gives you time to transition and does not when ready remove you if your income increases slightly.

How to contact HASLC and what to bring

The Housing Authority of Salt Lake City is located at 140 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. You can call them during business hours to ask about current openings, waiting lists, and how to request an process. Their phone number and office hours are on their website.

When you contact them or visit in person, have ready: your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), a photo ID, and information about anyone else in your household. If you are currently homeless or living in an unsafe situation, tell HASLC — they may be able to prioritize your process or connect you with emergency resources while you wait.

You can also check HASLC's website to see if they have online applications or more information about specific properties. Some buildings have their own waiting lists, so you may need to explore to individual properties rather than to HASLC as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I submit an process?

HASLC typically takes two to four weeks to process an process and verify your income and identity. After that, you are added to the waiting list. How long you wait for a unit depends on the specific property and how many people are ahead of you — this can range from a few months to several years.

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes. You can request an process for both HASLC public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program. Being on both lists increases your chances of getting housing sooner, since you are waiting for two different things.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

If your income is above HASLC's limit, you are not income-may be able to access for their programs. However, income limits change each year, so you can check back annually. You may also look into other affordable housing programs in Salt Lake City that have higher income limits.

Do I have to stay in the same unit forever?

No. If you are in public housing, you can request a transfer to another HASLC unit if one becomes available. If you have a voucher, you can move to a different rental unit as long as the new landlord accepts the voucher and the unit passes inspection. You remain on the program as long as you stay income-may be able to access and follow the rules.

What if I lose my job while I am in HASLC housing?

Report the change to HASLC right away. Your rent may actually go down because it is based on your income. HASLC will not evict you for losing a job, but you must keep paying your portion of the rent and follow the lease. Contact them to discuss how the income change affects your rent payment.