What the Ogden Housing Authority does

The Ogden Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Ogden, Utah. It does not provide cash information or emergency aid directly—it manages housing units and vouchers that reduce what tenants pay in rent. The Authority owns and maintains public housing apartments, and it distributes Section 8 vouchers to income-may have access to households so they can rent from private landlords at a reduced cost.

The Authority serves Weber County and the surrounding area. If you live in Ogden or nearby communities and need affordable rental housing, you will work with this agency to get on a waiting list, provide income documentation, and eventually move into a unit or receive a voucher. The process is slow—waiting lists are typically years long—but the rent you pay is capped at 30 percent of your household income.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ogden Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers; both cap your rent at 30 percent of household income.
  • You must be on a waiting list before you can receive a voucher or move into public housing, and most lists are closed or have multi-year waits.
  • Income limits vary by family size, and the Authority will verify your income, citizenship status, and rental history before approval.
  • Public housing is owned and managed by the Authority; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program.
  • Contact the Ogden Housing Authority directly at their office or website to learn whether waiting lists are currently open and what documents you need to bring.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The Ogden Housing Authority runs two separate programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you are a tenant of the Authority. You pay rent based on your income, utilities are often included, and the Authority handles maintenance and repairs. Public housing units in Ogden are scattered across the city in apartment complexes and smaller buildings.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. The Authority gives you a voucher that subsidizes your rent, but you find and rent from a private landlord. The landlord receives the subsidy payment directly from the Authority, and you pay the difference (your 30 percent share) to the landlord. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass a housing inspection.

Both programs have the same income limits and rent calculation. The main difference is who owns the building and who you pay. Public housing is faster to move into once you reach the top of the waiting list, because the Authority controls the units. Section 8 requires you to search for a landlord, which can take weeks or months after you receive the voucher.

Income limits and rent calculation

The Ogden Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Weber County. These limits change yearly. A household of one person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $55,000 to $65,000—but these figures vary and you should confirm the current limits with the Authority directly.

Once you are accepted into either program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income. If your household earns $24,000 per year, you pay $600 per month in rent. If you earn $36,000, you pay $900. The Authority receives the rest of the rent from the federal subsidy. This calculation stays the same whether you live in public housing or use a Section 8 voucher.

The Authority verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, Social Security statements, and other documents. If your income changes during the year, you must report it, and your rent may go up or down. Some income sources—such as child support or certain disability payments—may be excluded or counted differently, so ask the Authority how your specific income will be treated.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists. In most years, the Ogden Housing Authority's lists are closed, meaning you cannot add your name until the Authority reopens them. When a list is open, it may stay open for only a few weeks or a few months before closing again. You can call the Authority or visit their office to ask whether lists are currently open.

To get on a waiting list, you typically visit the Authority's office in person or submit a paper process. You will need to provide your name, contact information, household composition, and income. Some housing authorities accept online applications, but you should confirm with Ogden's office what method they use. Once your process is submitted and accepted, you receive a confirmation and a position on the list based on the date you applied.

Waiting times vary. Some people wait one to two years; others wait five years or longer. The Authority prioritizes certain households—such as those experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with very low incomes—so your position may move up if you fall into a priority category. You can contact the Authority periodically to ask where you stand on the list, but do not expect movement quickly.

Documents you will need to bring

When you explore to the Ogden Housing Authority, bring original or certified copies of these documents:

  • A photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, Social Security statement, unemployment letter, or child support documentation)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work visa)
  • Social Security card or number for all household members
  • Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Rental history from the past two years (landlord contact information or previous lease agreements)

If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years and a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive benefits from a government program, bring a current award letter. If you have no income, bring documentation of that as well—the Authority can still work with you, but you will be placed in a lower income category.

The Authority may ask for additional documents depending on your situation. For example, if you have a criminal history, they may request court records. If you are explore with a co-applicant, both of you may need to be present and provide identification. Call ahead to ask what documents are required for your specific household.

The approval process and timeline

After you submit your process, the Authority conducts a background check and verifies your income and rental history. This process typically takes four to eight weeks. During this time, the Authority may contact your previous landlords to ask about your payment history and whether you caused damage to the unit. They will also run a criminal background check and may check your credit report.

If the Authority approves you, you will receive a letter stating your approval and your income category. For public housing, you will then wait for a unit to become available. For Section 8, you will receive your voucher and a packet explaining how to search for a landlord and schedule a housing inspection. The voucher is usually valid for 120 days, so you need to find a unit and have it inspected within that window.

If the Authority denies you, they will send a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, poor rental history, or a criminal conviction. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact the Authority to ask how to file a hearing request and what evidence you can present.

Contact information and next steps

The Ogden Housing Authority is located at 2549 Adams Avenue, Ogden, Utah 84401. Their phone number is (801) 629-8694. You can visit their office during business hours to ask questions, pick up an process, or submit one in person. Some housing authorities have websites with online applications and current waiting list status; check whether Ogden's does.

Before you visit or call, prepare a list of questions specific to your household—such as current income limits for your family size, whether waiting lists are open, and what documents you need to bring. Having this information ready will make your visit or call more efficient. If you are unable to visit in person, call to ask whether you can submit an process by mail or email.

If you are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis, ask the Authority whether they have any emergency or priority programs. Some housing authorities partner with nonprofits that offer rapid rehousing or emergency vouchers. The Authority staff can point you toward these resources if they exist in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a criminal record?

The Ogden Housing Authority will consider your criminal history but does not automatically deny you. They look at the type of crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have been rehabilitated. Violent crimes and drug-related convictions are treated more seriously than other offenses. If you have a record, disclose it on your process; hiding it will result in denial. You can request a hearing to explain your circumstances.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Ogden?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other cities and states if the landlord accepts Section 8 and the unit meets program standards. However, you must request a transfer from the Ogden Housing Authority and receive approval before you move. The new housing authority in your destination city will take over your voucher. Moving without permission can result in loss of your voucher.

What happens if my income increases while I am in the program?

You must report income increases to the Ogden Housing Authority. Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be terminated from the program, though the Authority typically gives you a grace period to find other housing. Report changes promptly to avoid overpayment or sudden rent increases.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I am approved?

Once you are approved and reach the top of the waiting list, you will receive your voucher within a few weeks. However, you then have 120 days to find a landlord, sign a lease, and pass a housing inspection. If you do not complete these steps within 120 days, your voucher may be returned to the program. The entire process from process to moving into a unit typically takes six months to two years, depending on waiting list length and how quickly you find a landlord.

What if I cannot afford the process fee?

The Ogden Housing Authority does not charge an process fee to get on the waiting list. There are no upfront costs to explore. Once you are approved and move into a unit or receive a voucher, you will pay rent based on your income, but there is no fee to enter the program.