It is the mission of the HASLC to ensure all persons interested in housing assistance be given an equal opportunity to apply for subsidized housing. To ensure this process is an equitable one, applicants are required to register online during an “open registration” period for a waiting list. A waiting list is a compilation of families awaiting the determination of their eligibility for housing.
The Housing Authority of St. Louis County uses online applications only. Individuals complete an online application during the open registration period. If you are a person who requires a reasonable accommodation to complete the online application, the Housing Authority will assist you during the period the waiting list registration is open. All applicants claiming to be the head of household must be 18 years of age unless otherwise exempt by law (i.e. emancipated minor).
HASLC’s online application collects required preliminary information. Applying does not guarantee eligibility for a housing program. Applicants may be placed on a desired waiting list based on the date and time the online waiting list registration was received, any applicable preferences claimed and the family size composition. It is the applicant’s responsibility to keep their contact information updated with HASLC. Failure to do so could result in removal from any or all waiting lists.
Visit the Forms section or click here to update your information on a waiting list.
Selecting applicants for admission to the Public Housing program is performed on an “as needed” basis. Applicants are sent letters for a group orientation meeting. Meetings last approximately 2 hours. All household members, 17 years of age and older are asked to attend. Applicants failing to appear or not receiving approval to be called at a later date, will be removed from the waiting list. Those applicants requiring special assistance, such as an interpreter, must request this service at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date.
During the orientation process, an overview of the Public Housing Program is given. Admission forms authorizing the Housing Authority to obtain information regarding rental history, income and assets are explained and must be signed by the applicant. A release form is signed by the applicant and each member 17 years of age and older to check their criminal records through St. Louis County Police.
Applicants are given a checklist of documentation needed for verification and a written appointment date to return to HASLC for an interview to determine if they are eligible for public housing. Everyone 18 years of age or older living in the household MUST attend the walk-in interview and supply all verification from the checklist that applies to them. All information must be on letterhead paper and NOT older than 30 days.
Visit the Forms section or click here for the Public Housing Checklist for Walk-in Interviews for Families.
Visit the Forms section or click here for the Public Housing Checklist for Walk-in Interviews for Seniors.
In order for a family to be eligible for the Public Housing program they must meet the requirements below.
Households must meet income limits established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Income limits for families must not exceed 80 percent of the median family income for your area. Income limits are changed on a yearly basis and are available upon request.
Assistance is limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
The credit, criminal and rental history for all members of the household 18 years of age or older are checked at no cost to determine eligibility for housing.
HASLC will deny eligibility to a prospect owing money to HASLC or another housing authority if the debt is not repaid in full within 30 days.
Applicant ProcessingIf all the necessary documentation from the orientation meeting checklist is presented at the interview and the applicant has met all program requirements and is approved, the applicant will receive a letter indicating the location of the available unit and the contact information for the site Manager. If a unit is not available at the time of approval, applicants will be informed and notified when the next unit is available. Applicants not approved will be sent a letter clearly indicating the reason for rejecting the application and advise the applicant of their right to an informal hearing.
Once applicants are referred to the site with the vacancy, an Occupancy Assistant will notify the applicant and explain the leasing information. Once the applicant has viewed and accepted the unit, a security deposit and rental amount will be determined based upon the income information supplied. If the applicant has had any changes since the applicant first submitted documentation, the Housing Manager must be notified of these changes.
Once all paperwork and inspections are completed, an Occupancy Assistant will schedule an appointment with the applicant to move into the unit.