The Salt Lake City Tenant Resource Center provides specialized housing support to local renters through a partnership with the Community Development Corporation of Utah, offering one-on-one assistance to help residents navigate leasing laws and financial stability.
Direct Housing Support Services
Through this partnership, the City provides housing navigators who assist individuals via telephone or in-person meetings. The program is designed to support renters facing various housing challenges, including those needing help with relocation or those experiencing unsafe living conditions.
Relocation and Financial Aid
For tenants forced to move due to apartment repairs, demolition, or changes in income restrictions, the Relocation Assistance for Tenants (RAFT) program provides financial support. This assistance may cover costs for security deposits, the first and last month of rent, and various application fees.
Utility and Transit Assistance
The Salt Lake City Department of Community and Neighborhoods also manages several critical resources for residents, including the Utah HEAT program. This program assists low-income households with the costs of gas and electric utilities on a year-round basis.
Essential Community Resources
In addition to utility assistance, the city offers access to reduced-fare UTA rides, which allow for $1 rides with a set weekly limit on total expenditures. Residents can also find information regarding free or low-cost food, including fresh produce and meals, at various locations throughout Salt Lake City.
Tenant Rights and Safety
To ensure housing remains safe and livable, the City of Salt Lake City requires landlords to maintain specific standards. Common violations that residents can report include missing smoke alarms, leaks, broken railings, faulty wiring, or blocked exits. The Tenant Resource Center allows residents to file complaints or request inspections for unsafe housing conditions.
Legal Resources and Research
The City is also conducting research into local rental markets by collecting lease agreements from residents. The Salt Lake City Department of Community and Neighborhoods uses these documents to research current rental agreements and establish best practices for future lease agreements. Educational resources, including housing law videos in both English and Spanish, are also available to help tenants understand topics such as eviction, habitability, and mobile home rights.
Contact Information for Assistance
The Community Development Corporation of Utah, which partners with the City on these initiatives, is located at 501 East 1700 South in Salt Lake City. The organization maintains office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.
