January 15, 2026
If you've been searching for affordable apartments in Salt Lake City, you've probably come across listings labeled as "income restricted." But what does that actually mean? Is it the same as low-income housing? Can you still live in a nice apartment? And most importantly, do you qualify?
With Salt Lake City's rental market becoming increasingly competitive, understanding income-restricted housing can open doors to quality apartments at below-market rates. Whether you're a student, young professional, service industry worker, or simply budget-conscious, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about income-restricted apartments in 2026.
Income-restricted housing is a type of affordable housing program designed to make quality rental units accessible to individuals and families earning below a specific income level. These apartments are typically part of privately-owned developments that receive tax incentives or government subsidies in exchange for reserving a portion of their units for income-qualified renters.
Here's the fundamental concept: Property developers partner with federal, state, or local housing programs to create affordable housing options. In return for tax credits or other financial benefits, they agree to rent a certain percentage of their units at below-market rates to people who meet income requirements.
The key components include:
Understanding AMI is crucial to understanding income-restricted housing. The Area Median Income is the midpoint of a region's income distribution, meaning half of households earn more, and half earn less. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates AMI annually for every metropolitan area.
For the Salt Lake City metro area, the 2025 AMI is approximately $122,700 for a family of four. Income-restricted apartments typically serve households earning between 30% and 80% of AMI, depending on the specific program.
Example: If you're a single person in Salt Lake City and the AMI for a one-person household is $85,900, then:
Income limits adjust based on household size, so a family of four would have higher income thresholds than a single person.
This is one of the most common points of confusion. While both are forms of affordable housing, they work very differently:
Feature: Rent Changes
Income-Restricted: Fixed below-market rate for all qualifying tenants
Income-Based: Calculated as percentage of your income (typically 30%)
Feature: Rent Amount
Income-Restricted: Stays the same regardless of income changes
Income-Based: Adjusts when your income changes
Feature: Qualification
Income-Restricted: Must earn BELOW maximum income limit
Income-Based: Must earn BELOW maximum income limit
Feature: Property Type
Income-Restricted: Often newer, mixed-income developments
Income-Based: Typically public housing or Section 8
Feature: Wait Times
Income-Restricted: Generally shorter or no wait list
Income-Based: Often long wait lists (months to years)
Feature: Example
Income-Restricted: Studio apartment at $950/month for anyone earning under 60% AMI
Income-Based: Rent is 30% of your $2,500 monthly income = $750/month
Bottom line: Income-restricted apartments charge everyone the same affordable rent as long as you qualify. Income-based housing adjusts your rent based on what you actually earn.
Qualification requirements vary by property and program, but here are the general criteria:
Your household's gross annual income must fall below the specified AMI percentage for your household size. Most income-restricted apartments in Salt Lake City target residents earning between 50% and 80% of AMI.
Who typically qualifies:
To apply for income-restricted housing, be prepared to provide:
Credit and Background Checks: Income-restricted doesn't mean no standards. Most properties still require reasonable credit scores and clean background checks. However, standards may be more flexible than luxury market-rate apartments.
Annual Recertification: You'll need to verify your income annually to maintain eligibility. If your income increases above the limit after you move in, you typically won't be evicted, but you may need to move when your lease ends.
Choosing an income-restricted apartment offers several advantages beyond just lower rent:
Many income-restricted developments are located in desirable urban areas with access to public transit, employment centers, dining, and entertainment. You don't have to sacrifice location for affordability.
Income-restricted units in new developments often include the same high-quality finishes and community amenities as market-rate units in the same building, think rooftop lounges, fitness centers, modern appliances, and secure parking.
Your rent is locked in at the income-restricted rate, providing predictable housing costs that help with budgeting and financial planning.
In mixed-income developments, income-restricted units are indistinguishable from market-rate units. There's no visible difference in quality or access to amenities.
Reality: Many income-restricted apartments are in brand-new buildings with modern finishes, energy-efficient appliances, and premium amenities. The quality is often identical to market-rate units in the same development.
Reality: Many income-restricted apartments target working professionals earning 60-80% of AMI. In Salt Lake City, a single person earning up to $68,720 annually could qualify for 80% AMI units.
Reality: Unlike public housing or Section 8 vouchers, many income-restricted apartments have immediate availability or short wait times, especially in newer developments.
Reality: Most properties allow you to stay through your lease term even if your income increases. You'll just need to transition to a market-rate unit or move when your lease ends.
Reality: These are completely different programs. Section 8 is a federal voucher program where the government pays a portion of your rent. Income-restricted housing is privately owned with rent subsidized through tax credits, not direct government payments.
Ready to start your search? Here are the best ways to find income-restricted apartments in the Salt Lake City area:
Use filters for "income-restricted," "affordable housing," or "AMI" on major apartment search websites. Many properties clearly advertise their income-restricted units.
Reach out to management companies that specialize in mixed-income developments. They can provide information about current availability and income requirements.
The Salt Lake City Housing Authority maintains lists of affordable housing options throughout the area.
Newly constructed apartment buildings in Salt Lake City often include income-restricted units as part of their development agreements. Tour new properties and ask about affordable housing options.
Organizations like Utah Community Action can help connect you with affordable housing resources.
Applying for an income-restricted apartment is similar to applying for any rental, with a few additional steps:
Contact the property to confirm income-restricted units are available and ask about specific income limits for your household size.
Some properties offer pre-qualification to determine if you meet income requirements before you complete a full application.
Complete the rental application and provide all required documentation, including proof of income, identification, and rental history.
The property management will verify your income against HUD guidelines and AMI limits. This process typically takes 3-7 business days.
Standard screening procedures apply, including credit checks, criminal background checks, and rental history verification.
Once approved, you'll sign your lease and pay required deposits and first month's rent.
Pro Tip: Have all your documentation organized and ready before you apply. This speeds up the process and shows you're a prepared, responsible tenant.
One of the biggest advantages of income-restricted apartments in Salt Lake City is access to prime downtown locations without the premium price tag. Living downtown means:
For young professionals, students, and anyone who values urban living, downtown Salt Lake City offers an unbeatable combination of career opportunities, lifestyle amenities, and outdoor adventure.
Living in an income-restricted apartment can free up hundreds of dollars each month. Here's how to maximize those savings:
Use the money you save on rent to build 3-6 months of expenses in an emergency fund. This financial cushion provides security and peace of mind.
Apply extra funds toward high-interest debt like credit cards or student loans. Reducing debt improves your financial health and credit score.
Whether it's a down payment on a home, starting a business, or furthering your education, affordable housing gives you the breathing room to save for bigger goals.
Use the savings to take professional development courses, attend conferences, or invest in tools and resources that advance your career.
For more tips on managing your finances while renting in Salt Lake City, check out this comprehensive budgeting guide.
Not all income-restricted apartments are created equal. Here's what to evaluate when comparing options:
If you're looking for income-restricted apartments that don't compromise on quality, style, or location, aQui 355 offers an exceptional option in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.
Located at 355 South 400 East, aQui 355 features modern studio apartments designed for efficient urban living. The property includes both market-rate and income-restricted units, creating a diverse, vibrant community.
The income-restricted units at aQui 355 provide the same high-quality living experience as market-rate apartments, with access to all building amenities and the same modern finishes. Learn more about why income-restricted studios at aQui 355 might be perfect for your lifestyle.
Now that you understand what income-restricted apartments are and how they work, it's time to see if you qualify. At aQui 355, we're committed to making downtown Salt Lake City living accessible to a diverse community of renters.
Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through the qualification process, and help you find the perfect studio apartment that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Contact aQui 355 today to schedule a tour, learn about current availability, and discover how income-restricted housing can help you live your best life in downtown SLC.
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