A Utah Section 8 housing list is a resource you can use to find apartments that are eligible for rental assistance. The public housing authority (PHA) that issued your voucher will sometimes give you listings to help start your search. Other times, finding Section 8 listings and choosing an apartment is entirely your responsibility.

There are many low income apartments for rent in Utah, but not all of them will meet the program requirements. Once you choose a place to rent, your PHA will inspect it to make sure it is in safe and sanitary condition. Read below to learn more about finding Section 8 approved housing for rent and discover what requirements an apartment has to meet before you can move in.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Utah?

Some PHAs maintain an official list of low income apartments for rent that you will receive with your voucher. The units on one of these lists may be owned by the PHA itself or a private landlord. You will sometimes be eligible to rent a unit that is owned by your housing authority.

However, it is important to be aware that your PHA cannot require you to rent from them under the Section 8 program. You always have the option to choose a unit on the open market if you wish.

If a PHA provides you with information on homes for rent that accept Section 8, the list may come in a variety of formats. Some housing authorities list available units on their websites.

Others PHAs might direct you to use apartment for rent apps or websites that they endorse. If your PHA does not have a web presence, you may receive an informational packet with available listings instead.

You do not need to refer to your PHA’s approved section 8 housing list if you receive such a resource. There are a variety of other ways to find an apartment on your own.

You can even use tools provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to find a place to rent. The HUD homes for rent listings might include properties such as:

• Single-family homes
• Apartments
• Townhomes and duplexes

Note that HUD listings can include properties in housing projects or public housing. With a Section 8 voucher, you are not required to live in a project.

In fact, if a unit already receives a different federal subsidy, you usually cannot use Section 8 to rent the apartment at all. Learn more about the rules for using your voucher by reading our complete Section 8 guide here.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Utah

You are free to use any resources you wish to find a place to rent. Section 8 rental listings can be found in a variety of places, including most mainstream apartment searching websites. When using websites such as these, it helps to look for certain phrases that may indicate a landlord is willing to take vouchers.

Unfortunately, not all property owners specify whether vouchers are accepted. When in doubt, it may help to ask so you can avoid missing a rental opportunity.

Some websites are designed specifically for low-income properties. For example, looking through GoSection8 active listings is a good way to find eligible properties.

Keep in mind that these websites might include a wide variety of rentals. It is possible for landlords to list low-income units that do not accept vouchers. Reading each listing closely is important.

When searching for apartments for rent that accept Section 8, you may find it useful to look for advertisements in other places as well. Some landlords prefer to list units in newspapers or by posting for-rent signs in the neighborhood. You can find more Section 8 rental listings by broadening your search in the community.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Utah

When looking for low income apartments for rent in Utah, it helps to keep your PHA’s requirements in mind. Unfortunately, even if you find a unit on an approved Section 8 housing list, it is not guaranteed to pass an inspection.

Housing agencies will check that a unit is in safe, sanitary and decent condition. Issues such as structural damage, pest infestations or inoperable fixtures might cause an apartment to fail an inspection. However, a landlord may be given the opportunity to make repairs so that a unit is able to pass.

PHAs also verify that Section 8 listings are rented at a fair rate compared to similar units. Most housing authorities will only pay up to a certain amount towards your rent. If you choose a unit with rent beyond the allowable amount, you may be responsible for paying the difference.

When looking for apartments for rent that accept Section 8 in Utah, it helps to understand the HUD’s rules about renting from family members. Under this program, you are not generally allowed to rent a unit that is owned by a close relative.

Note: It may be possible to use your assistance where you currently live, as long as your home meets your PHA’s requirements and your landlord is willing to take a voucher.

Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in Utah

Finding Section 8 rental listings in Utah is sometimes challenging, but it is important that you begin your search right away. In most cases, you only have 60 days to locate a unit before your rental assistance expires.

Some PHAs will grant extensions or give you more time to begin with. If you are having trouble finding Section 8 listings, talk to your housing authority about your options so that you do not risk losing your assistance.

Furthermore, you may be required to look at a Section 8 housing list for a particular area. In many cases, you must live within your local PHA’s jurisdiction for the first year you receive assistance. This requirement may not apply if you already lived in the area when your voucher was issued.

In any case, it is possible to move and keep receiving your rent assistance by transferring or “porting” your voucher to a different PHA. Policies for moving will vary from one housing authority to the next.