Southern Arizona Land Trust, Inc., (“SALT”) is a nonprofit corporation, recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service, located in Tucson, Arizona. SALT is a support organization of the Pima County Industrial Development Authority whose mission is to provide the Tucson/Pima County metropolitan area with affordable housing opportunities for low to moderate income households.
Affordable housing is typically defined as a housing unit whose cost does not exceed 30 percent of the occupant’s household income. What does affordable housing do? Cost-burdened families are left with little cash available for other basic necessities of life such as food, transportation and healthcare. The financial pressure filters down into all areas of life. Studies have shown that affordable housing can greatly improve the quality of life and provide Household Stability, Economic Security, Improved Educational and Health Outcomes, and Enhanced Neighborhood Quality.
Yes. Over 90% of rental households in Tucson surveyed in 2022 pay more than 30% of their household income toward housing costs according to the University of Arizona “Poverty in Tucson Project.” The Housing Affordability Strategy for Tucson (HAST) 2021 report highlights that rent costs increased 25.4% in Tucson between 2019 and 2021, while Median Household Income increased only 3.8%. Furthermore, as of January 2023, there were over 15,000 families on the waiting list for a Section 8 (government subsidized) housing voucher. Tucson’s section 8 program has about 5,200 vouchers, an allocation based on a HUD needs assessment completed in the 1990s. According to the 2023 NLIHC report, the amount of full-time jobs at minimum wage needed to afford the rent on a two-bedroom apartment in Tucson is 2.2. According to a recent study by the University of Arizona, there are almost 92,000 market and/or income-restricted units of affordable housing needed to accommodate the lower-income households who need affordable housing in Tucson.
To learn more about the need for affordable housing in Tucson, please see below:
SALT Housing Need Resource
National Low Income Housing Coalition 2023 Out of Reach – The High Cost of Housing Report
Family Housing Resources and UofA Housing Gap Analysis
SALT is governed by a board of directors, which is comprised of members of the Board of the IDA and a member of the community appointed by the IDA. SALT’s day to day operations are managed by its management team.
Since its inception, SALT has evaluated well over 1,000 properties and has acquired and rehabilitated approximately 130 homes for its affordable rental portfolio. Today, SALT serves its low to moderate income households with safe, high quality and energy efficient affordable homes. SALT continues to evaluate, acquire and rehabilitate properties, as well as build new homes on its land bank properties. These activities provide inventory to further expand its rental portfolio, as well as ownership opportunities for qualified purchasers.
SALT currently manages over 130 rental properties in the Tucson area. SALT’s operates under a “scattered site model” which means that our properties are not located in one central parcel or parcels. Look at our list of available properties to see if there is something suitable for you.
SALT’s initial funding was received through the Pima IDA, and a US Department of Housing and Urban Development grant known as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (“NSP2”). Since that time, SALT’s operations have been financed through the rents received from its affordable housing properties under management, the development and sale of properties held in its land bank, grants and charitable donations. Funding for SALT’s more ambitious goals will be sought through low cost lines of credit, grants and donations of cash or real property.
The best source of information on SALT is this website and the SALTy Blog which provides updates on affordable housing and SALT’s efforts in the community. In addition, you can like our Facebook page @SALTHousing, contact SALT by e-mail at admin@saltproperty.com or by calling our offices at 520.352.2626.
The best way to support SALT is through tax deductible donations of cash or real property. Our Donation page gives details on how to donate and the tax benefits you may receive from your donation.
Pay your rent using Rent Café which allows you to pay your rent online; or you may drop off your rent at the office during business hours or in the drop box.
Please use one of the following options to request non- emergency repairs:
- Enter your request in rent café. If you are not registered for rent café, contact the Rental Property Manager for information.
- Call the office at 520-352-2626 extension 1.
To request an emergency repair that requires immediate attention:
- During business hours, you may call the office at 520-352-2626 to speak to a member of the SALT team at extension 1 or 2. If we do not answer, do not leave a message! Hang up and call our emergency number at 520-408-4318 and they will contact maintenance. .
- After business hours or anytime the office is closed or we do not answer the phone, call our emergency number 520-408-4318 and they will contact maintenance.
All rent is due on the first (1st) of the month. There is a 5 day grace period before late fees will start to apply.
Any currently available properties are listed on our website. Go to Available Rentals and take a look!
For questions about our available rental properties, please call our office at 520-352-2626.
Yes. SALT provides affordable housing for low to moderate income families. We have income restrictions on various properties, and perform thorough qualification reviews in our application/underwriting process.
Please contact our property manager to request an application. For more information on our application process, please see SALT Rental Application materials.
Yes. SALT accepts many rental assistance programs including Section 8 vouchers.
Yes, with limitations. Residents must sign a pet agreement form and pay a
non-refundable pet fee. For additional information speak to the SALT Property Manager
