Affordable housing in Utah FAQs

The process of finding affordable housing can often be a complicated one to navigate. In this article, KSL Homes will break down the affordable housing programs available in Utah and answer common questions about who is eligible and how to apply.

What is the Housing Choice Voucher program? 

The Housing Choice Voucher program, often referred to as Section 8, is a program in which low-income families can apply for a voucher to have a portion of their rent paid for by the federal government. Unlike public housing programs, this program allows participants to find their own private housing that has met approved health and safety measures. The government then pays its share of rent to the landlord and the tenant does the same. 

How do you qualify for low-income housing in Utah?

Since the Housing Choice Voucher program is federal, the qualifications are the same in every state. Vouchers are reserved for low-income and very low-income families and individuals. In general, a qualifying individual or family’s income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or city in which they want to live. You can check the Department of Housing and Urban Development's website to view local median incomes.

Local Public Housing Authorities give preference to those whose incomes are less than 30% of the area’s median income; they are legally required to reserve 75% for this subgroup. Some applicants may also receive preference on the voucher waiting list. Groups who might receive preference include older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, local residents and more. 

At least one member of your household must be legally documented to apply for a voucher, unless you are a noncitizen with a qualifying immigration status. Those with qualifying immigration statuses include refugees, asylees, victims of trafficking and others.

How to apply for low-income housing in Utah

Participants can apply for a housing choice voucher by contacting a local Public Housing Authority. You will never be asked to pay to apply for low-income housing in Utah, or anywhere. If you are being asked to pay anything, it is a scam. 

The PHA that approves your voucher is the area in which you must look for housing. Most of the time you will be placed on a waitlist, so being flexible with your locations and contacting multiple housing authorities may help you get a voucher faster. Try and put yourself on as many open waitlists as possible. You can move to a new location with your voucher after 12 months in your first residence, but not before. 

How do I find housing with my voucher?

When you’re approved for a voucher, you’ll have at least 60 days to find housing. You may have longer and can often be approved for an extension depending on the housing authority. If you think you may have trouble finding housing in 60 days, ask for an extension. 

With a housing choice voucher you are free to find any housing with a monthly rent that works with your approved rent amount and has been signed off by the PHA for health and safety standards. The relevant PHA can give you a list of locations at which your voucher is likely to be accepted. The HUD Resource Locator also helps you find buildings and properties that are already offering affordable housing units. This tool is particularly helpful as it shows how many units of each size a building has available. Your voucher comes with an approved number of rooms that you are allowed to rent, which will generally be the minimum amount necessary to house your family without overcrowding. You can also use KSL Homes to search for apartments with your approved price point and number of rooms.

What am I responsible for paying?

Participants are responsible for paying the difference between monthly rent and the amount provided with their voucher. This amount varies, but will usually be 30% of the household’s monthly income. Tenants are also usually responsible for some or all of their utility bills. 

Security deposits are not covered by the Housing Choice Voucher program in Utah. This is why it’s extremely important to learn what, if anything, your security deposit amount will be before moving in to make sure you can cover it. Not all landlords charge a security deposit, but it is within their rights to do so. The State of Utah has a Section 8 Landlord Incentive Program to help cover damages caused by tenants, which may help encourage landlords to forego or lessen a deposit amount. Utah Community Action also has a Rent and Deposit Assistance program that you may qualify for if you are approved for a voucher. 

What are some other affordable housing options?

If you don’t qualify for a housing choice voucher, are on a long waitlist or don’t feel it’s the right option for you, there are other ways to find affordable housing in Utah. 

Public housing

Public housing provides safe housing for low-income renters, older adults and people with disabilities. Unlike with the Housing Choice Voucher program, public housing participants must live in an approved public housing building or complex. Income restrictions and rent estimates are similar to those in the voucher program. Contact your local Utah PHA to learn more and apply. 

HUD’s subsidized housing in Utah

Apartment buildings are often required to have a certain amount of low-income units. You can search for these properties on the HUD Resource Locator the same way you would for a Housing Choice Voucher property. Without a voucher you will be responsible for your full share of rent — at such properties, “low-income” renters are usually determined to earn less than 80% of the local median. Rent is based on this figure. This option is more expensive than a housing choice voucher, but it is usually a quicker process.

Utah Individual Development Account network

An Individual Development Account is a special savings account available for low-income participants that matches your deposits and helps you save for approved financial goals, one of which is a down payment on a first home. Utah’s IDA Program matches $2 for every $1 that participants save. An IDA program is a good choice if you are in a situation where you have a paying job and a place to live, but are still struggling to achieve financial independence and better housing. Those seeking immediate relief should consider other options. 

Use KSL Homes to find local homes and apartments that fit your budget.