Public Housing
What is Public Housing?
Public Housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for low-income to moderate-income families, elderly persons and persons with disabilities. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal aid to local housing agencies to manage the housing for residents at affordable rents.
How Do I Apply?
Simply visit the Management office for the development (whose wait list is open) and request an application or visit the St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) and request an application for Public Housing.
Do I Qualify for Public Housing?
- Is your income level within the “Income Guidelines”? (see chart)
- Do you have a history free of drug use/or abuse and free of alcohol abuse?
- Have you been a previous resident of SLHA or another housing authority and do not have an outstanding balance with that program?
Congratulations! If you answered “yes” to these questions, you may qualify for Public Housing.
Income Guidelines
| Household Size | Income Limits |
|---|---|
| 1 | $38,950 |
| 2 | $44,500 |
| 3 | $50,050 |
| 4 | $55,600 |
| 5 | $60,050 |
| 6 | $64,500 |
| 7 | $68,950 |
| 8 | $73,400 |
Section 8
How do I know when the Section 8 Wait List is open?
St. Lousing Authority will disclose this information over the phone. We also post the information as a Public Notice at our Central Office and place advertisements in the public notice section of the local newspapers.
What information will I need to provide on the Section 8 application?
You will need to provide information on family composition, household income, social security numbers, and dates of birth for all members of the household.
What happens when my name comes to the top of the wait list?
You will be sent an appointment letter by mail to attend an eligibility session. Your income will be calculated to ensure that you are eligible to receive assistance.
When will I be issued the Voucher?
It will take approximately 12-18 months from the time of application to be issued a voucher.
How much time do I have to find a unit?
Each client is given 60 days initially to locate housing. If your housing search is unsuccessful you will need to request a 30-day extension.
How much of my rent will Section 8 pay?
Eligible families pay up to 40% of their adjusted income toward their rent. Section 8 pays the remainder directly to the owner. The family is responsible for the security deposit.
As an owner how can I participate in the Section 8 Program?
Contact the St. Louis Housing Authority at 314.286.4378 to register and attend a Section 8 landlord orientation briefing to understand all the rules and guidelines for owner participation.
Who is responsible for screening the client?
The owner/landlord is responsible for screening the families based on their tenancy histories to determine if the applicant will be good renters.
How do I list my rental property?
Socialserve.com is a free listing service for affordable rentals. You can call toll free at 1-877-428-8844 to set an account to list your rental property according to number of bedrooms.
How is the rent set and determined for each unit?
The St. Louis Housing Authority is responsible for ensuring that rents charged by owners are reasonable based upon objective comparable rents in the private unassisted market. The SLHA certifies for each unit which it approves, a lease that the contract rent for such unit is: reasonable in relation to rent currently being charged in the private market, taking into account the location, size, type, quality, amenities, facilities, management and maintenance service of such unit; and the proposed rent is not in excess of rents currently being charged by the owner for comparable unassisted units and assisted units.
