What the St. Louis Housing Authority actually does

The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in the city of St. Louis — not the county. It administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and some project-based information. SLHA does not handle emergency rental information, homelessness programs, or housing in St. Louis County; those are separate systems run by different agencies.

SLHA's main job is to manage a waiting list and process vouchers and public housing applications. It does not make decisions about who gets help based on need alone — it follows federal rules about income limits, citizenship, and background checks. The agency is located at 1901 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101, and you can reach it by phone at (314) 331-8800.

Key Takeaways

  • SLHA runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in St. Louis city only; county residents need to contact their county housing authority or a different agency.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed, and when it opens, it fills quickly — you must explore during the open period to get on the list.
  • Public housing and Section 8 both require proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check before approval.
  • SLHA's office can tell you whether the waiting list is currently open and what documents you need to bring to explore in person.

Section 8 vouchers through SLHA

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that pays part of your rent to a private landlord. SLHA holds the waiting list and processes applications, but the voucher itself is a federal program. You do not pay SLHA directly — you pay the landlord, and SLHA pays the landlord the subsidy amount. Your share of the rent is usually 30 percent of your household income.

The waiting list for Section 8 in St. Louis is usually closed. SLHA opens it for short periods — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months — when federal funding allows. When the list is open, applications fill up fast. You must explore during the open period; there is no way to get on the list when it is closed. Call SLHA at (314) 331-8800 to ask whether the list is currently open and when the next opening might be.

If you get a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. The landlord must pass a housing inspection, and the rent cannot exceed the area's fair market rent limit set by HUD. Once you find a place and sign a lease, SLHA and the landlord sign a contract, and the subsidy begins.

Public housing units managed by SLHA

SLHA also owns and operates public housing apartments throughout St. Louis. These are different from Section 8 — you rent directly from SLHA, not a private landlord. The rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing waiting lists are also usually closed, and you must explore during an open period.

Public housing units vary in condition and location. SLHA maintains them, handles repairs, and collects rent. If you live in public housing, SLHA is your landlord. The lease terms are set by federal rules, not negotiated between you and SLHA. You can be evicted for lease violations just as you would be by a private landlord.

Income limits and who can explore

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on household size and area median income. For St. Louis, the limits change each year. As of recent years, a single person's income limit for Section 8 is roughly $30,000 to $35,000 annually, and a family of four is roughly $50,000 to $55,000 — but these numbers shift, so call SLHA to confirm the current limits for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status. SLHA will ask for proof: a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other immigration document. If anyone in your household is not a citizen or legal resident, tell SLHA when you explore — some mixed-status households can still receive information, but the rules are complex and depend on your specific situation.

SLHA will run a background check. Felony convictions, especially for drug manufacturing or violent crimes, can disqualify you. Eviction history is reviewed but does not automatically disqualify you. If you have concerns about your background, ask SLHA what their specific policy is before you explore.

how the process works and what documents to bring

Applications are taken in person at SLHA's office at 1901 Convention Plaza. You cannot explore online or by mail. Bring photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of benefits or a statement explaining your situation.

SLHA staff will help you fill out the process. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You will be asked about household members, income, assets, and whether you have been evicted or convicted of crimes. Answer honestly — SLHA will verify the information you provide.

After you explore, SLHA will send you a letter confirming receipt and telling you what happens next. If the waiting list is open, you will be added to it. If the list is closed, you may be told to reapply when it reopens. Processing times vary; some people hear back in weeks, others in months.

Waiting list placement and how long it takes

Once you are on the waiting list, your position depends on the date you applied and sometimes on your priority status. SLHA gives priority to people who are homeless, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of their income on rent. If you have one of these situations, mention it when you explore.

How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers or units become available. In some years, people wait months; in others, years. SLHA can tell you roughly where you stand on the list, but cannot may provide when you will be called. You can contact SLHA to check your status, but do not expect frequent updates.

If your circumstances change — your address, phone number, income, or household members — call SLHA and update your file. If SLHA cannot reach you when your name comes up, you may be skipped and moved to the bottom of the list.

What to do if you live in St. Louis County or need emergency help

SLHA serves St. Louis city only. If you live in St. Louis County, you need to contact the St. Louis County Housing Authority instead. They have their own waiting lists and programs. Call them at (314) 539-6000 or visit their office in Clayton.

If you need emergency rental information because you are behind on rent or facing eviction, SLHA does not run that program. Contact your city alderman's office, call 211, or reach out to a local nonprofit like Justine PETERMAN Housing or Beyond Housing. Emergency funds move faster than SLHA's regular waiting list and may help you even if you are not yet on SLHA's list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Section 8 waiting list is open right now?

Call SLHA at (314) 331-8800 and ask. You can also visit their office at 1901 Convention Plaza and ask staff. The waiting list status changes throughout the year, and there is no way to know except by calling or visiting. Some people call every few months to check.

What happens if I get a voucher but cannot find a landlord who accepts it?

You have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a place. If you cannot find one, the voucher may be taken back. SLHA can sometimes extend the search time if you show you are trying. Ask about extensions before your time runs out.

Can I be on the waiting list for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. You can explore for both programs. If you get a voucher or a public housing unit, you will be removed from the other list. Being on both lists increases your chances of getting help sooner.

What if I was evicted in the past — can I still get Section 8 or public housing?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but SLHA will review the reason. If the eviction was for non-payment and you have since paid the debt, you have a better chance. If it was recent or for lease violations, SLHA may deny you. Ask about your specific situation when you call.

How much will I pay for rent if I get a voucher or public housing?

You typically pay 30 percent of your gross household income as rent. If your income is very low, you may pay a minimum amount (usually $25 to $50 per month). SLHA will calculate your exact rent share based on your income at the time you move in.