What the Housing Authority of St. Louis County does

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County is a public agency that manages rental information and public housing in St. Louis County, Missouri. It administers federal housing programs, including Section 8 vouchers and public housing units, and handles emergency rental information when funding is available. The agency does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income requirements.

The Authority's main job is to connect low-income households with rental subsidies or direct housing. It is separate from the City of St. Louis Housing Authority, which serves the city itself. If you live in unincorporated St. Louis County or in one of the county's municipalities, the St. Louis County Housing Authority is the agency you contact.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of St. Louis County manages Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information for county residents.
  • Section 8 vouchers have long waiting lists, and the Authority periodically opens and closes the list depending on funding and demand.
  • You can contact the Authority directly by phone or mail to ask about current programs, waiting list status, and what documents you need.
  • Emergency rental information is available when funded, but programs often close once money runs out and reopen months later.
  • The Authority pays landlords directly for most programs, so you will need a signed lease and your landlord's contact information to participate.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. You choose your own rental unit (within program rules), and the voucher covers the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your area. The landlord receives the voucher payment from the Authority, and you pay your share.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in St. Louis County is typically closed. When it opens, the Authority accepts new applications for a limited time, then closes it again. The list can remain closed for months or years depending on funding. You can call the Authority to ask whether the list is currently open and when it might open next. If you are on the list, the Authority will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which can take years depending on your position.

To be considered for a voucher, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income. The exact income limit depends on your household size and changes yearly. The Authority will verify your income, employment, and rental history before issuing a voucher.

Public housing units managed by the Authority

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County also manages public housing apartments. These are units the Authority owns or leases, and rent is set at 30 percent of your household income. Like Section 8, public housing has income limits and waiting lists. The waiting list status and process process vary by development, so you will need to contact the Authority to learn which properties have openings and how the process works.

Public housing units are located throughout St. Louis County. Some developments are family-focused, others serve seniors or people with disabilities. The Authority can tell you which properties match your household type and whether they are currently accepting applications.

Emergency rental information when it is available

When St. Louis County receives emergency rental information funding (usually from federal sources), the Housing Authority may administer the program. These funds pay rent you already owe, not future rent. You typically need a signed lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and documentation of unpaid rent. The Authority pays the landlord directly.

Emergency information programs open and close based on available funding. When money runs out, the program closes and may reopen months later when new funding arrives. You can call the Authority to ask whether emergency rental information is currently open and what documents you need to explore.

How to contact the Housing Authority of St. Louis County

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County is located in Clayton, Missouri. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current programs, waiting list status, and process requirements. The Authority's website also lists contact information and may have details about which programs are currently open.

When you call, have your household size, income range, and any relevant documents ready. Staff can tell you whether you may be within income limits and what the next step is. If you are explore for a program, ask for a complete list of required documents so you can gather everything before submitting your process.

Income limits and what the Authority will verify

All Housing Authority programs have income limits based on your household size and the area median income. Limits are set by the federal government and change yearly. The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income. If you receive benefits, you will need documentation from the benefits agency.

The Authority also checks your rental history and may contact previous landlords. If you have an eviction on your record, you may still be considered, but the Authority will review the circumstances. Criminal background checks are standard for public housing and Section 8 programs, though not all criminal history disqualifies you.

Differences between St. Louis County and City of St. Louis Housing Authority

St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis each have separate housing authorities. If you live in the city itself, you contact the St. Louis Housing Authority. If you live in unincorporated St. Louis County or in a county municipality (such as Clayton, Webster Groves, or Ferguson), you contact the Housing Authority of St. Louis County. The two agencies do not share waiting lists or programs.

You can confirm which authority serves your address by checking your mailing address against the city and county boundaries, or by calling both agencies — they can tell you which one handles your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely depending on your position on the list and how many vouchers become available. Some people wait several years. The Authority will tell you your approximate position when you are added to the list, though that position can change as people ahead of you receive vouchers or drop off the list.

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

Yes. You can be on the Section 8 waiting list and explore for public housing separately. If you receive a public housing unit, you can stay on the Section 8 list and move to a voucher later if you prefer. Let the Authority know if your situation changes so they can update your file.

What happens if my landlord will not accept a Section 8 voucher?

The landlord must accept the voucher payment if the unit meets program standards. However, you choose the unit, so if a landlord refuses to participate, you can look for a different rental. The Authority can provide a list of landlords who accept vouchers in your area.

Do I have to live in St. Louis County to use a Section 8 voucher there?

You must live in St. Louis County to receive a voucher from the Housing Authority of St. Louis County. Once you have a voucher, you can use it to rent in the county. Some vouchers allow portability, meaning you can move to a different housing authority's area, but that requires approval from both agencies.

What if I am behind on rent right now?

Contact the Authority to ask whether emergency rental information is currently open. If it is, you may be able to explore. If the program is closed, ask when it might reopen. In the meantime, contact your landlord to explain your situation and ask about a payment plan while you look for other resources.