Utah Section 8 Housing
/With Utah's population growth and increasing housing costs, as reported by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the demand for affordable housing has never been more critical. In 2025, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program remains an essential tool for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
This guide offers actionable insights for Utah residents on navigating Section 8 and other housing assistance programs.
Understanding Section 8 in Utah
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded initiative designed to provide rental assistance to eligible households. Participants receive vouchers that cover a portion of their rent, allowing them to secure housing in the private rental market.
Benefits of Section 8 Housing in Utah:
Provides access to safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.
Offers flexibility to choose suitable housing across Utah.
Supports financial stability by reducing housing costs.
For specific guidelines and updates, visit the Utah Housing Authority’s Section 8 Resources.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 in Utah?
Eligibility depends on several factors:
Income Limits: Must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For example, in Salt Lake City, the 2025 AMI for a family of four is $90,000, with a limit of $45,000 for Section 8 eligibility.
Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants.
Background and Rental History: Must pass a criminal background check and have a history free of recent evictions.
How to apply for Section 8 housing in Utah?
The process of applying for Section 8 housing in Utah is straightforward, but it does require some time and effort. To apply for Section 8 housing in Utah, individuals and families must follow these steps:
Contact Your Local Housing Authority:
Complete an Application: Submit required documents, including proof of income, Social Security numbers, and residency.
Wait for Approval: Processing can take weeks or months, depending on demand.
Join the Waiting List: Most areas have waiting lists due to high demand.
Once individuals and families are approved for Section 8 housing, they will receive a voucher that they can use to rent housing from a private landlord of their choice. They will be responsible for paying a portion of their rent, with the voucher covering the remainder.
What is the maximum amount of assistance that Section 8 will pay in Utah?
The maximum amount of assistance that Section 8 will pay in Utah varies based on several factors, including the family's income, family size, and the location and cost of the rental unit. However, there are certain limits on the amount of rental assistance that families can receive under the Section 8 program in Utah.
The following table shows the Fair Market Rents for different bedroom sizes in Utah. FMRs are used to determine the maximum rental rates that housing assistance programs can pay for rental units in a given area. It's important to note that FMRs can vary by location and are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Below you will find the current Fair Market Rents for Utah.
The tenant rent share is calculated based on the family's income and other factors, and it is typically 30% of the family's adjusted monthly income. For example, if a family's adjusted monthly income is $1,000, their tenant rent share would be $300, and the Section 8 program would cover the remaining amount, up to the FMR for their area.
The maximum amount of assistance that Section 8 will pay in Utah can vary based on several factors, including changes in the FMR, changes in the family's income, and changes in the cost of the rental unit. Families should work closely with their local housing authority to understand their rental assistance benefits and to ensure that they are able to maintain their eligibility for the program.
How long does it take to get approved for Section 8 in Utah?
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in Utah can vary depending on several factors. Generally, the approval process can take several weeks to several months.
One factor that can affect the approval timeline is the demand for Section 8 housing in the area. If there are many families applying for Section 8 housing in Utah, it may take longer for the Utah Housing Authority to review applications and make decisions.
Another factor that can affect the approval timeline is the completeness and accuracy of the application and supporting documentation. If the application is missing information or documentation, it may take longer for the Utah Housing Authority to review the application and make a decision.
Finally, the availability of rental units can also affect the approval timeline. Even if a family is approved for Section 8 housing, they must find a landlord who is willing to accept the voucher and has a rental unit available. In some areas of Utah, the availability of affordable housing can be limited, which can make it more difficult for families to find a suitable rental unit.
What qualifies for low-income housing in Utah?
In addition to the Section 8 program, there are several other programs in Utah that provide low-income housing for eligible families. To qualify for low-income housing in Utah, families must meet certain eligibility requirements, which can vary depending on the program.
One common requirement for low-income housing in Utah is income. Most programs have income limits that families must meet in order to qualify. These income limits are typically based on the area median income (AMI) for the county where the family lives.
Other requirements for low-income housing in Utah may include citizenship status, rental history, and criminal background. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status. They must also have a good rental history, with no recent evictions or outstanding debts owed to a landlord. Finally, applicants may be subject to a criminal background check, which may disqualify them if they have certain types of criminal convictions.
There are several programs available for low-income families in Utah, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), and the Public Housing Program. These programs provide a variety of services, including rental assistance, utility assistance, and case management.
Section 8 housing waiting list in Utah
The Section 8 housing program in Utah typically has a waiting list due to high demand and limited funding. The waiting list is managed by the Utah Housing Authority, which is responsible for administering the Section 8 program in Utah.
When families apply for Section 8 housing in Utah, they are placed on a waiting list based on the date and time of their application. Families are then selected from the waiting list based on their eligibility and the availability of rental assistance funding.
The length of the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Utah can vary depending on several factors, including the demand for rental assistance in the area, the number of available vouchers, and the rate at which families are approved and move off the waiting list.
In some cases, families may wait several months or even years before they receive rental assistance through the Section 8 program in Utah. During this time, it is important for families to continue to seek alternative housing options and to keep their contact information up-to-date with the Utah Housing Authority.
Emergency Housing Assistance in Utah
In addition to the Section 8 program and other low-income housing programs, there are several emergency housing assistance programs available in Utah to help families in immediate need of housing assistance. These programs provide short-term assistance to families who are facing homelessness or other urgent housing-related challenges.
One program available in Utah is the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, which provides funding for emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention. This program can provide families with immediate assistance, such as temporary shelter or rental assistance, to help them avoid homelessness.
Another program available in Utah is the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP), which provides short-term rental assistance and case management services to families who are at risk of becoming homeless.
In addition to these programs, there are several resources available to families in Utah who are in need of immediate housing assistance. For example, the Utah Department of Workforce Services provides information and referrals to families who are facing housing challenges, including emergency rental assistance and homelessness prevention services.
Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in Utah
Income limits determine eligibility for housing programs like Section 8 in Utah. Set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), these limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for each region.
Section 8 Eligibility: Households must earn 50% or less of the AMI. In 2025, the AMI for a family of four in Utah is $91,200, meaning a family of four must earn $45,600 or less to qualify. Limits vary by county.
LIHEAP Assistance: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program requires incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a family of four, this is $45,000 in 2025.
Income limits differ by program and location, so families should check with the Utah Housing Corporation or their local housing authority for up-to-date information.
Housing Authorities in Utah
Housing Authorities in Utah are local organizations that provide affordable housing options and housing assistance programs to low-income families and individuals. These authorities are typically established at the county or city level, and each one serves a specific geographic area.
The main goal of Housing Authorities in Utah is to ensure that everyone has access to safe, sanitary, and affordable housing. To achieve this goal, these organizations offer a range of programs and services, including rental assistance, public housing, and low-income housing tax credits.
In addition to these programs, Housing Authorities in Utah also work closely with local non-profit organizations, community groups, and government agencies to provide a range of support services to families and individuals in need. These services can include job training, education, financial counseling, and more.
One of the key responsibilities of Housing Authorities in Utah is to administer the Section 8 housing program. This program provides rental assistance to low-income families, allowing them to access safe and affordable housing in the private rental market. Families must meet certain income and eligibility requirements to qualify for Section 8 housing, and Housing Authorities are responsible for determining eligibility and administering the program.
There are over 20 Housing Authorities in Utah, each serving a specific geographic area. Families seeking housing assistance should contact their local Housing Authority to learn more about available programs and eligibility requirements. The Utah Housing Authority is also a valuable resource for families seeking housing assistance in the state.
| Housing Authority Name | County Served | Website | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cache Housing Authority | Cache | Visit Website | (435) 753-1112 |
| Carbon County Housing Authority | Carbon | Visit Website | (435) 637-5170 |
| Davis Community Housing Authority | Davis | Visit Website | (801) 593-8401 |
| Emery County Housing Authority | Emery | Visit Website | (435) 381-2902 |
| Grand County Housing Authority | Grand | Visit Website | (435) 259-5891 |
| Iron County Housing Authority | Iron | Visit Website | (435) 865-9555 |
| Juab County Housing Authority | Juab | Visit Website | (435) 623-0696 |
| Kane County Housing Authority | Kane | Visit Website | (435) 644-5111 |
| Millard County Housing Authority | Millard | Visit Website | (435) 864-5010 |
| Morgan County Housing Authority | Morgan | Visit Website | (801) 845-9782 |
| Piute County Housing Authority | Piute | Visit Website | (435) 577-2949 |
| Rich County Housing Authority | Rich | Visit Website | (435) 793-2304 |
| St. George Housing Authority | Washington | Visit Website | (435) 628-3648 |
| Tooele County Housing Authority | Tooele | Visit Website | (435) 882-7875 |
| Uintah Basin Association of Governments Housing Authority | Duchesne, Uintah | Visit Website | (435) 722-4518 |
| Uintah County Housing Authority | Uintah | Visit Website | (435) 781-7283 |
| Utah County Housing Authority | Utah | Visit Website | (801) 373-8333 |
| Wasatch County Housing Authority | Wasatch | Visit Website | (435) 654-4068 |
| Weber County Housing Authority | Weber | Visit Website | (801) 399-8691 |
Section 8 Waiting Lists in Utah
Waiting lists are an essential part of the housing assistance process in Utah. When a program has more eligible applicants than available funding or units, the program administrator will often establish a waiting list. The purpose of a waiting list is to create a fair and transparent system for distributing assistance to eligible families, based on the order in which they applied.
In Utah, waiting lists for housing assistance programs are typically administered by the local housing authorities. When a family applies for assistance, their application is reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for the specific program they applied to. If they are deemed eligible, their application is placed on the waiting list.
The length of time a family spends on a waiting list can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the number of families ahead of them on the list, the availability of funding or units, and the family's specific housing needs. Some families may receive assistance relatively quickly, while others may wait for several months or even years before being offered assistance.
During the waiting period, families are responsible for keeping their contact information up to date with the housing authority to ensure they can be reached when assistance becomes available. Some housing authorities may also require families to periodically update their application to ensure that their eligibility status remains accurate.
The following table shows currently open section 8 waiting lists in Utah.
| Housing Authority Name | County Served | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver Housing Authority | Beaver | Open |
| Davis Community Housing Authority | Davis | Open |
| Housing Authority of Carbon County | Carbon | Open |
| Housing Authority of Utah County | Utah | Open |
| Ogden Housing Authority | Weber | Open |
| Provo City Housing Authority | Utah | Open |
| Salt Lake City Housing Authority | Salt Lake | Open |
| Tooele County Housing Authority | Tooele | Open |
Turning Housing Challenges Into Opportunities in Utah
Utah's housing challenges demand innovative approaches and community collaboration. While Section 8 is a vital resource, residents should also consider local partnerships, nonprofit initiatives, and community-driven housing programs. By tapping into resources like Section 8, Utahns can connect with tailored tools and opportunities to secure housing stability and create a brighter future.
