What is SALT?

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.

What is affordable housing?

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.

Is affordable housing really an issue in Tucson?

Yes.  72% of rental households in Tucson pay more than 30% of their household income toward housing costs. From 2012 to 2017, less than 10% of residential housing units built or rehabilitated in Tucson were dedicated or subsidized as affordable housing.  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. Furthermore, as of February 2018 there were over 18,000 families on the waiting list for a Section 8 (government subsidized) housing voucher and no new applications were being accepted. Tucson’s section 8 program has just 5,654 vouchers, an allocation based on a HUD needs assessment completed in the 1990s. According to the 2018 NLIHC report, the amount of full-time jobs at minimum wage needed to afford the rent on a two-bedroom apartment in Tucson is 1.6. Additionally, among poor renter households in Tucson earning between 50 and 100 percent of the federal poverty level, 92.5 percent spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, according to a 2018 survey by UA student researchers. 

How is SALT managed?

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.

How does SALT create affordable housing?

Since its inception, SALT has evaluated well over 1,000 properties and has acquired and rehabilitated approximately 120 homes for its affordable rental portfolio. In addition,  over 60 homes and lots were acquired, rehabilitated and sold with an additional 360 properties added to its land bank. 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.

What properties does SALT manage?

SALT currently manages over 120 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.

How is SALT funded?

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.  

How can I find out more about SALT, its mission and what is happening right now?

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.

How can I help support SALT?

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.   

What are the tax benefits of donating to SALT?

As a 501(c)(3) exempt organization, all donations to SALT deductible on your federal income taxes.  In addition, SALT has been designated by the Arizona Department of Revenue as a Qualified Charitable Organization. If you have paid or will pay Arizona state income taxes for 2016, you can make a donation to SALT and claim a credit against your state income tax liability up to the amounts allowed for the current tax year.  For more detailed information about the tax credit, please visit our donation page or call our offices at 520.352.2626.  

How can I pay my rent?

SALT uses a payment program called Rent Cafe which allows you to pay your rent online.  You must contact SALT first to get your “T” number to register, and make sure SALT has your correct email account.

If you wish to make an online payment simply go to Online Payments and follow the instructions.  Clicking on this link will take you away temporarily from the SALT website, so be prepared to sign-up or sign-in on Rent Cafe when you do so.

At the SALT office, tenants may pay during business hours, leave a payment in the drop box, or obtain a WIPS card and pay at various locations. 

How do I make a maintenance request?

Please use one of the following options to request non- emergency repairs:

  1. Enter your request in rent café. If you are not registered for rent café, contact the Rental Property Manager for information.
  2. Call the office at 520-352-2626 extension 1.

To request an emergency repair that requires immediate attention:

  1. 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. .
  2. 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.

 

When is my rent due?

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.

Are there late fees?

Late fees are applied to any unpaid rent balances after the 5th of each month.  A $50 late fee is charged on the 6th of the month, plus $5 per day thereafter up to a maximum of $135 per month.

Is there a list of housing available for rent?

Yes.  Because SALT’s rental units are affordable and very well maintained, they do not remain vacant very long when they do become available. Any currently available properties are listed on our website.  Go to Available Rentals and take a look!

Who can I contact about leasing a SALT property?

For questions about our available rental properties, please call our office at 520-352-2626.

Are there any income or other financial restrictions on renting or purchasing SALT properties?

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.  

How can I find an application to rent a SALT property?

We have an online application that you can download.  See SALT Rental Application materials

Does SALT accept tenants with Section 8 vouchers?

Yes.  SALT works with many tenants that receive vouchers for housing assistance through Section 8.

Where are SALT’s homes located?

SALT’s homes are scattered around Tucson/Pima County.  Many of these homes are located on the South side of town, but our units are scattered widely over the area. Click here to view Available Properties.

Does SALT allow pets?

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

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