Utah Section 8

In Utah, Section 8 vouchers are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs), each of which keeps its own waiting list. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits and Fair Market Rents that they use. Priority at the Housing Authority of Utah County is given to extremely low-income families with children.

Who is eligible for Section 8 in Utah?

To be eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher, your household must meet three requirements:¹

• Your income must generally be at or below the very low-income limit for your county and household size.
• You must be a “family,” which includes a single person, and at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
• You must meet the housing agency’s screening requirements.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in Utah?

For a Housing Choice Voucher, a family generally has to be at or below the very low-income limit, which is 50% of the area’s median family income.¹ In Utah, that limit for a family of four is between $53,150 and $83,850 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $47,850 and $75,500.²

At least 75% of new vouchers go to families under the extremely low-income limit, which is 30% of the area median. The calculator above shows all three limits for your county and household size. Your housing agency makes the final decision, and meeting the limit does not guarantee a voucher.

What is the Fair Market Rent in Utah?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In Utah, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $1,014 a month in 4 counties (including Carbon County) to $2,153 in Summit County.³ Your housing agency sets a payment standard, usually between 90% and 110% of the FMR, that limits how much of your rent a voucher can cover.⁴

Is Section 8 open in Utah?

It depends on the housing agency. Each agency opens its waiting list only for certain periods, and waitlists can be long. Ask each local agency about the status of its list, and consider applying to more than one agency.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Utah?

Apply through the public housing agency that serves your county or city. HUD directs applicants to contact their local PHA, which collects income, asset and household information to determine eligibility and the subsidy amount.

1. Find your local PHA. Each county or metropolitan area has its own public housing agency (PHA) with a separate waiting list. You may apply to more than one agency.
2. Join the waiting list. Submit a pre-application when the list is open. Agencies commonly ask for proof of identity, income and household composition.
3. Wait for your turn. The wait varies by agency. An agency may remove an applicant who does not respond to its notices, so keep your contact information current.
4. Receive and use your voucher. The agency inspects the unit before the lease begins. You pay a share of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the agency’s payment standard.⁴

The Housing Authority of Utah County assists with rent in Utah County, outside of Provo. Applications can be submitted online or in person at the agency’s office. See its income limits for Section 8 programs.

Housing Authority of Utah County (HAUC)
240 East Center Street
Provo, Utah 84606
(801) 373-8333

For assistance within the city of Provo, contact the Provo City Housing Authority at (801) 852-7080.

If you need help locating a PHA, call HUD’s PIH Customer Service Center at (800) 955-2232 or look up through the official HUD’s directory of public housing agencies (PHAs).