What the Housing Authority of St. Louis actually does

The Housing Authority of St. Louis (HASL) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing units across the city and administers federal rental information programs. It does not build new housing or provide money directly to tenants — instead, it owns buildings, sets rent based on tenant income, and distributes vouchers that subsidize rent at private landlord properties. HASL serves roughly 6,000 households through public housing and another 8,000 through its voucher program.

The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs HASL runs — public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and project-based information — follow federal income limits, rent calculations, and lease requirements that are the same across all housing authorities, though HASL's specific waitlists and local policies differ from other cities.

Key Takeaways

  • HASL manages public housing buildings and distributes Housing Choice Vouchers that pay part of your rent at a private landlord's property.
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a federal limit that changes yearly, and rent is calculated as a percentage of your income rather than a fixed amount.
  • Waitlists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have years-long waits, and HASL opens them only when funding allows.
  • You can contact HASL directly at their main office or through their website to learn current waitlist status and what documents you will need to provide.
  • If you are experiencing a housing emergency now, contact your city's emergency rental information program or 211 St. Louis instead, as HASL programs are not designed for when ready crisis help.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

HASL owns and operates public housing buildings where tenants pay rent based on their income — typically 30 percent of gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on household size and composition. You live in an HASL-owned unit, and HASL is your landlord. The agency handles maintenance, utilities are often included or subsidized, and lease terms are standardized across all residents.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently: HASL gives you a voucher (also called Section 8) that you take to a private landlord of your choice. The voucher covers part of the rent, and you pay the rest out of pocket. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, pass an HASL inspection, and sign a contract with the agency. You have more choice of where to live, but you also bear more responsibility for finding a landlord willing to participate.

Both programs calculate your rent contribution the same way — as a percentage of income — but public housing offers stability and included services, while vouchers offer mobility and choice. Neither is inherently better; it depends on your situation and what is available in your area.

Income limits and how rent is calculated

To be considered for either HASL program, your household income must fall below the federal Area Median Income (AMI) limit for St. Louis. For 2024, the limit for a single person is roughly 50 percent of AMI, which translates to approximately $32,000 per year, though this figure changes annually and varies by household size. HASL will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income.

Once you are accepted, your monthly rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, minus certain deductions. Deductions can include child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and disability information. If your income drops, your rent drops; if it rises, your rent rises. HASL recertifies your income annually or when you report a change, and your rent adjusts accordingly.

The voucher program also includes a payment standard — the maximum amount HASL will pay toward rent in your area. If the landlord's asking rent exceeds the payment standard, you pay the difference. If it is below the standard, you pay 30 percent of your income and HASL pays the rest.

How to learn about waitlists are open

HASL maintains separate waitlists for public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. Both are frequently closed because demand far exceeds available funding. When a waitlist is closed, you cannot add your name; when it opens, there is often a limited window — sometimes just a few weeks — to submit your request.

To learn the current status, contact HASL directly at their main office: 314-331-8800. You can also visit their website at hasl.org to check for announcements about waitlist openings. Some housing authorities post opening dates in advance; others announce them with short notice. If you want to be notified when a waitlist opens, ask HASL whether they maintain an email or phone notification list.

If both waitlists are closed, ask HASL when they expect to open next. Some housing authorities reopen waitlists annually; others do so only when funding becomes available. There is no way to may provide a spot, but staying in contact with HASL increases the chance you will know when an opening occurs.

What documents you will need to provide

HASL requires proof of identity, income, residency, and citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a utility bill or lease showing your current address. If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your last employer or documentation of unemployment benefits.

You will also need to disclose your household composition — names, ages, and relationships of everyone living with you — and any criminal history. HASL conducts background checks and may deny admission based on certain convictions or eviction history, though policies vary and some disqualifying factors can be waived under specific circumstances.

If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to provide information about any pets, vehicles, or other household details that affect the voucher size and payment standard. HASL staff can tell you the complete list when you call or visit; requirements sometimes change based on federal guidance.

What happens after you are accepted

If you are accepted for public housing, HASL will place you on a priority list based on your process date and any preferences (such as accessibility needs or family size). When a unit matching your household size becomes available, HASL will contact you. You then have a limited time — usually 10 business days — to view the unit and decide whether to accept it. If you refuse, you go to the back of the list.

If you are accepted for a voucher, you receive the voucher document and a packet explaining how to use it. You then have a limited time — typically 60 to 120 days, depending on HASL policy — to find a landlord who will accept it. The landlord must pass an HASL inspection, and you must sign a lease. HASL then pays the landlord directly each month.

In both cases, you must recertify your income annually. If your circumstances change — you lose a job, a household member moves out, or your income rises significantly — you must report it to HASL. Failure to recertify or report changes can result in loss of information.

When HASL is not the right resource for your situation

HASL programs are designed for long-term, stable housing, not emergency situations. If you are facing eviction now, owe back rent, or need help within the next few weeks, HASL cannot help because waitlists are long and processing takes months. Instead, contact the City of St. Louis Emergency Rental information program or call 211 St. Louis to find when ready help.

Similarly, if you need temporary shelter because you are homeless or fleeing domestic violence, HASL is not the right agency. Contact the St. Louis Homeless Services Network or the Salvation Army for emergency shelter options.

HASL is the right resource if you have stable income, a clean background, and can wait months or years for permanent subsidized housing. If your need is urgent, look elsewhere first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher after I am accepted?

For public housing, it depends on unit availability and your position on the priority list — anywhere from a few months to several years. For vouchers, once you receive the voucher, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find a landlord. The entire process from process to move-in can take six months to two years or longer.

Can I be denied because of an eviction or criminal record?

Yes. HASL can deny admission based on eviction history within a certain timeframe or certain criminal convictions. However, policies allow for exceptions in some cases, and you have the right to request a hearing to dispute a denial. Ask HASL about their specific policies and whether your situation qualifies for an exception.

What if my income increases after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your rent will increase to reflect the higher income. HASL recertifies annually and adjusts rent accordingly. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program, though HASL typically allows a grace period before terminating information.

Can I use a voucher to move to a different city?

Yes, but you need HASL's permission and the receiving housing authority must have available voucher funding. This is called a "portability" move. Contact HASL to request a portable voucher and ask which cities have capacity to receive it.

What if I cannot find a landlord who will accept my voucher?

This is a common problem in tight rental markets. If your search period is about to expire, contact HASL to request an extension. Some housing authorities grant extensions if you can show you made a good-faith effort to find a landlord. HASL may also have a list of landlords known to accept vouchers.