What the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City does

The Housing Authority of Salt Lake City (HASLC) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs in Salt Lake City proper — not the whole county. It administers public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and some project-based information. The agency does not set rents or approve who lives where based on income alone; it follows federal rules that determine who can participate and what you pay.

HASLC is separate from Salt Lake County Housing Authority, which serves unincorporated areas and some other cities in the county. If you live outside Salt Lake City limits, you may need to contact the county authority instead. The city authority's main office is located at 900 West Murray Park Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84123, and you can reach them by phone at (801) 594-5655.

The agency maintains a waiting list for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers. These lists are often closed — meaning HASLC is not taking new names — because demand far exceeds available units. You can contact them to ask whether the list is open and, if it is, what documents you need to submit.

Key Takeaways

  • HASLC runs public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers only within Salt Lake City limits; if you live in unincorporated Salt Lake County or nearby cities, contact Salt Lake County Housing Authority instead.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are frequently closed, and you must contact the authority directly to learn the current status.
  • You pay 30 percent of your adjusted gross income as rent in public housing; with a Section 8 voucher, you find your own apartment and pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.
  • HASLC requires proof of income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a background check; criminal history and eviction records do not automatically disqualify you but are reviewed case by case.
  • Once you are on a waiting list, you may wait months or years before being contacted, and you must keep your contact information current with the authority.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

HASLC owns and manages public housing apartments directly. If you are placed in public housing, you live in a building owned by the authority, and HASLC is your landlord. You pay 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income as rent, with a minimum amount set by the authority. Public housing is available to households earning 50 percent or less of the area median income, though the exact income limit changes yearly.

A Section 8 voucher works differently. The authority gives you a voucher worth a set dollar amount — the "payment standard" — and you find your own apartment on the private market. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, which is typically 30 percent of your income. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and pass a HASLC inspection. You keep the voucher as long as you remain in good standing, though you must recertify your income annually.

Waiting times differ. Public housing waiting lists in Salt Lake City have historically been years long, while Section 8 voucher lists are often closed entirely. Contact HASLC directly to learn current wait times and whether either list is open.

Income limits and what counts as income

HASLC uses adjusted gross income to determine whether you may have access to and how much rent you pay. Adjusted gross income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support received, and most other regular income. It does not include food stamps, some disability payments, or income of live-in aides.

Income limits for public housing are set at 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Salt Lake City. For 2024, this varies by household size — a single person's limit is different from a family of four — and HASLC publishes these limits on its website or can tell you over the phone. Section 8 vouchers have the same income limits at the time you are first placed, but you can keep your voucher even if your income rises later, as long as you continue to pay rent.

You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove income. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter. HASLC will ask for documents going back 30 days or more, depending on the program.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to participate in HASLC programs. may be able to access statuses include lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant, and certain other categories. Undocumented immigrants do not may have access to for HASLC housing.

You will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when you explore. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or passport for citizens, a green card for permanent residents, or an I-94 arrival/departure record for refugees and asylees. HASLC will make a copy and keep it in your file.

If you are not sure whether your status qualifies, contact HASLC before spending time on an process. The agency can tell you whether you are may be able to access based on your immigration category.

Background checks and criminal or eviction history

HASLC runs a background check on all applicants. The check includes criminal history, eviction records, and credit history. A criminal conviction or prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HASLC reviews each case individually and may deny you if the offense or eviction is recent or severe.

Violent felonies, drug manufacturing, and sex offenses typically result in denial. Evictions within the past three years are more likely to be a barrier than older ones. If you have a criminal record or eviction history, you can ask HASLC what its specific policy is before explore; some staff can give you a sense of whether you are likely to be approved.

You have the right to see what information HASLC found about you and to dispute inaccuracies. If you are denied, HASLC must tell you the reason and give you a chance to respond before a final decision is made.

How to contact HASLC and check waiting list status

The main office phone number is (801) 594-5655. You can call to ask whether the public housing or Section 8 waiting list is open, what documents you need, and what the current wait time is. Staff can also answer questions about income limits, citizenship requirements, and the process process.

HASLC's website is www.haslc.org. The site lists current income limits, has information about both programs, and may show whether waiting lists are open. Some documents, like the process form, may be available to read.

If you are already on a waiting list, keep your phone number and address current with HASLC. The authority contacts people from the list by phone, and if they cannot reach you, they may move to the next person. You can call to update your contact information at any time.

What happens after you are placed

Once HASLC approves you and a unit becomes available, you will be notified by phone. For public housing, you will be shown an apartment and given a lease to sign. For Section 8, you will receive your voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment and have it inspected.

In public housing, you must recertify your income every year. HASLC will send you a form to fill out and return with recent pay stubs or benefit letters. Your rent may go up or down based on your new income. In Section 8, you also recertify annually, and your rent contribution adjusts if your income changes.

If you stop paying rent, violate lease terms, or fail to recertify, HASLC can start eviction proceedings. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, and you should attend and explain your situation if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the waiting list open right now?

Waiting lists open and close based on how many people are on them and how many units become available. Call HASLC at (801) 594-5655 to ask the current status. If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen and whether you can call back to check.

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

There is no set timeline. You may wait weeks or months after approval for a unit to become available. HASLC will contact you by phone when something opens up, so keep your phone number current and answer calls from unknown numbers.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside Salt Lake City?

HASLC vouchers are valid only in Salt Lake City. If you move outside the city limits, you lose the voucher. Some other housing authorities may accept a "portability" request, but this is not may provide and requires approval from both authorities.

What if I have a criminal record or was evicted before?

HASLC reviews each case individually. Call the office and ask what its policy is for your specific situation. You can also ask to speak with someone about your history before formally explore, though staff cannot promise an outcome.

Do I have to pay a deposit to move into public housing?

No. HASLC does not charge a security deposit for public housing. You pay your first month's rent (30 percent of your income) when you sign the lease, and that is all.