What the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City actually does

The Housing Authority of Salt Lake City (HASLC) is a public agency that runs two main programs: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing. Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent while the program pays the rest directly to the landlord. Public housing means you live in a building owned and managed by HASLC itself. Both programs serve households with low to moderate income.

HASLC does not give you money directly. It either pays your landlord on your behalf (Section 8) or provides you with a place to live at a reduced cost (public housing). The agency also manages waiting lists, conducts income verification, and inspects units to make sure they meet housing standards. If you want to know whether you can use either program, you contact HASLC directly — not a third-party website.

Key Takeaways

  • HASLC runs Section 8 vouchers (rent information with private landlords) and public housing (agency-owned apartments), but both have waiting lists that can be years long.
  • To get on a waiting list, you must contact HASLC directly by phone, mail, or in person; waiting lists sometimes close when they become too long.
  • Your household income must fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a Social Security number for every household member.
  • Once you are on a waiting list, HASLC will contact you when your name comes up, which may take months or years depending on the program.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from any private landlord who agrees to take the program. You find the apartment yourself, and HASLC pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest — usually 30 percent of your household income, though this can vary. The voucher covers the difference between what you pay and what the unit is worth on the market, up to a limit set by HASLC.

The landlord must agree to participate in Section 8 and must allow HASLC to inspect the unit before you move in and annually after. The unit must meet housing quality standards: working plumbing, heat, electricity, no lead paint hazards, and other basic safety requirements. If the landlord refuses to participate or the unit fails inspection, you cannot use your voucher there.

HASLC currently has a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list is not always open — when it reaches a certain size, HASLC closes it to new applicants. You can call HASLC to ask whether the list is currently open and how long the wait typically is.

Public housing: HASLC-owned apartments

HASLC owns and manages apartment buildings throughout Salt Lake City. If you live in public housing, HASLC is your landlord. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher). The agency handles maintenance, repairs, and building management. You sign a lease with HASLC and must follow the same rules as any tenant.

Public housing units are scattered throughout the city rather than concentrated in one area. HASLC maintains a waiting list for public housing separate from the Section 8 list. Wait times vary depending on unit availability and the size of the waiting list at any given time.

Income limits and who can get on a waiting list

To be considered for either Section 8 or public housing, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Salt Lake City. This limit changes every year and depends on your household size. For example, the income limit for a single person is lower than for a family of four. HASLC publishes current income limits on its website or you can call to ask what the limit is for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. Every household member age 18 and older must provide a Social Security number. HASLC will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, or other documents depending on your situation.

You do not have to be homeless or behind on rent to get on a waiting list. You can be currently housed and still explore. However, if you are being evicted or have an eviction judgment against you, some programs may have restrictions — call HASLC to ask about your specific situation.

How to get on the waiting list

Contact HASLC directly to ask about waiting lists and to request an process. You can reach them by phone at their main office, by mail, or by visiting in person. The agency will tell you whether the Section 8 list, the public housing list, or both are currently open.

When you explore, you will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and a Social Security number for every household member. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide documentation of that as well. HASLC will tell you exactly what documents to bring when you contact them.

After you submit your process, HASLC will verify your information and add you to the waiting list if you meet the requirements. You will receive written confirmation of your process status. The agency will contact you when your name comes up — this may take months or years depending on the program and current demand.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

For Section 8: Once your name is called, HASLC will issue you a voucher that is good for a set period (usually 60 to 120 days). You then have that time to find a private rental unit that meets program standards and whose rent is within the voucher limit. The landlord must agree to participate. Once you find a unit, HASLC inspects it. If it passes, the agency signs a lease with the landlord and you move in.

For public housing: HASLC will contact you about available units. You can view the unit and decide whether to accept it. If you accept, you sign a lease with HASLC and move in. The agency assigns units based on availability and your household needs.

In both cases, HASLC will conduct an initial income verification interview before you move in. You will also sign a lease or housing information agreement that outlines your responsibilities as a tenant or voucher holder.

Waiting list status and what to do if the list is closed

HASLC closes its waiting lists when they become too long to manage. When a list is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens. The agency typically reopens lists periodically — sometimes once a year, sometimes less often. Call HASLC to ask when the list you are interested in is expected to reopen.

While you wait for a list to reopen, you can explore other housing resources. Salt Lake City has emergency rental information programs, nonprofit housing organizations, and other support services. A 211 call (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) can connect you to local resources that may help while you are on the HASLC waiting list or waiting for a list to open.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing?

Wait times vary widely. Some people wait months; others wait years. It depends on how many people are on the list ahead of you, how many units become available, and your household size and income. Call HASLC and ask what the current average wait time is for the program you are interested in.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, so you can be on both. If your name is called for one program, you can accept it and ask HASLC to remove you from the other list, or you can stay on both lists.

What if my income goes up after I am on the waiting list?

You must report income changes to HASLC. If your income exceeds the limit for the program, you may be removed from the waiting list. However, if you are already receiving Section 8 or public housing, a modest income increase usually does not disqualify you when ready — HASLC has rules about how much your income can grow before your information ends.

Do I need a job to get on the waiting list?

No. You can be unemployed, retired, disabled, or receiving benefits. HASLC looks at total household income from all sources, including unemployment, Social Security, disability payments, and child support. You will need to document your income source when you explore.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HASLC may ask about it during the process process. Some programs have policies about how recent an eviction can be. Call HASLC directly and explain your situation — the agency can tell you whether you are still able to explore.