Section 8 Landlord Guide for Utah 2026 — Payments & Requirements
Quick answer: Section 8 pays Utah landlords a monthly Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) based on local Fair Market Rents. The representative 2-bedroom FMR in Utah is approximately $1,558/month. The Utah Area Median Income is $91,100 for a 4-person household (FY2026).
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How Much Will Section 8 Pay in Utah?
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) equals the lesser of (a) actual rent minus 30% of the tenant's adjusted monthly income, or (b) the Payment Standard minus 30% of monthly income. Utah PHAs set Payment Standards at 90–110% of HUD's Fair Market Rents below.
| Metro / Area | 1BR FMR | 2BR FMR | 3BR FMR |
|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $1,254 | $1,558 | $2,152 |
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Payment Standards vary by PHA (90–110% of FMR). Actual HAP depends on tenant income and lease rent vs. local Payment Standard.
Largest Housing Authorities in Utah
Contact these PHAs to list your unit, join a landlord outreach program, or request a vacancy referral:
- Housing Authority Of The County Of Salt Lake — (801) 284-4400
- Housing Authority Of Salt Lake City — (801) 487-2161
- Housing Authority Of The City Of Ogden — (801) 627-5851
- Davis Community Housing Authority — (801) 451-2587
- Housing Authority Of The City Of Provo — (801) 900-5672
- Housing Authority Of Utah County — (801) 373-8333
- Housing Authority Of Carbon County — (435) 637-5170
- Logan City Housing Authority — (435) 752-7242
- St. George Housing Authority — (435) 628-3648
- Weber Housing Authority — (801) 399-8691
4 Steps to Accept Section 8 in Utah
- Contact your local PHA — Use the "Find My PHA" tool to reach the housing authority covering your property address in Utah. Ask about their landlord outreach program.
- Pass the HQS inspection — A PHA inspector visits your unit to verify Housing Quality Standards: safe electrical, working heat, no lead hazards, pest-free, working smoke detectors.
- Set a reasonable rent — Rent must be comparable to similar unassisted units nearby. If above the Payment Standard, the tenant pays the difference (not to exceed 40% of income at move-in).
- Sign the HAP contract — Once the unit passes inspection and rent is approved, you sign the Housing Assistance Payments contract. HAP payments begin on the tenant's move-in date.
- How much does Section 8 pay landlords in Utah?
- In Utah, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is based on local Fair Market Rents and the tenant's income. For a 2-bedroom unit, the representative FMR is approximately $1,558/month. The HAP covers the gap between the Payment Standard and 30% of the tenant's adjusted monthly income.
- What are the requirements to rent to Section 8 tenants in Utah?
- Your unit must pass an HQS inspection, rent must be reasonable compared to similar unassisted units, and you must sign a HAP contract with the local PHA. No special landlord license is required. Some cities in Utah have source-of-income discrimination laws requiring landlords to accept vouchers.
- How do I find Section 8 tenants in Utah?
- Contact your local PHA to join their landlord outreach list. You can also list your unit on GoSection8.com and AffordableHousing.com, commonly used by voucher holders searching for housing in Utah.
- How long does a Section 8 inspection take?
- The initial HQS inspection typically takes 30–60 minutes. The PHA must schedule it within a reasonable time after you request it. If items fail, you have a set period (usually 30 days) to correct them before a re-inspection.