What the Guam Housing Authority is and who it serves

The Guam Housing Authority (GHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs on the island of Guam. It operates under territorial law, not federal housing law, which means its rules, income limits, and waiting lists differ from housing authorities on the mainland United States.

GHA runs two main programs: public housing (where the authority owns the building and you rent from it directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you find a private rental and the authority pays part of your rent to the landlord). Both programs serve households with low to moderate incomes, though income limits and rent contributions vary by family size and program.

Because Guam is a U.S. territory with its own government structure, some federal housing rules explore while others do not. This means a household that would may have access to for public housing in California might face different requirements or wait times in Guam, and vice versa.

Key Takeaways

  • The Guam Housing Authority manages public housing and voucher programs, but operates under territorial law rather than the same federal rules as mainland housing authorities.
  • Both programs have income limits based on family size, and you must provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or legal residency status to be considered.
  • Public housing and voucher programs typically have waiting lists, and the time to reach the top varies depending on program demand and available units.
  • You can contact GHA directly to ask about current waiting list status, income limits for your household size, and what documents you will need to bring.
  • If you believe GHA has treated you unfairly or violated your lease, you have the right to request a hearing before an independent officer.

How to learn about you can participate in GHA programs

GHA programs are open to households that meet income limits set by the authority. These limits depend on your family size and change periodically. The only way to know the current limits for your household is to contact GHA directly — they do not post income thresholds online that remain current year-round.

You will also need to show that you are a U.S. citizen, a national, or a may have access to immigrant with valid documentation. GHA requires proof of residency on Guam, proof of income (usually recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and a valid photo ID. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide documentation of job search efforts or proof of benefits.

GHA does not disqualify you automatically based on criminal history, credit score, or eviction history, but the authority does conduct background checks and may deny admission if you have a history of lease violations, drug-related criminal activity, or violence. You have the right to know the results of your background check and to dispute inaccurate information.

Public housing through GHA

GHA owns and operates apartment buildings across Guam. When you live in GHA public housing, you rent directly from the authority. Your rent is calculated as a percentage of your household income — typically 30 percent — rather than a flat market rate. If your income changes, your rent adjusts accordingly.

Public housing units vary in condition and location. Some are newer; others are older. GHA is responsible for maintenance and repairs, though response times can vary. If a unit needs repair, you submit a work order and GHA is required to address serious issues (like no water or broken heating) within a set timeframe, though emergency repairs may take longer depending on the severity and GHA's workload.

There is typically a waiting list for public housing. How long you wait depends on how many units are available, how many households are ahead of you, and whether you have a priority status (such as homelessness or displacement). GHA can tell you your position on the list if you call and provide your process number.

Housing Choice Vouchers through GHA

The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you find a rental home in the private market and use a voucher to help pay the rent. GHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (called the "housing information payment"), and you pay the rest out of pocket. Your share is usually 30 percent of your household income.

To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords do — some refuse vouchers because of paperwork, payment timing, or other reasons. Once you find a willing landlord, GHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe, clean, working utilities, no lead paint hazards). If it passes, GHA signs a contract with the landlord and begins making payments.

The voucher program also has a waiting list, and wait times can be long — sometimes years, depending on how many vouchers GHA has and how many households are waiting. GHA can tell you whether the voucher waiting list is currently open to new applications or closed.

What happens after you are admitted to a GHA program

Once you are admitted, you sign a lease with GHA (for public housing) or with a private landlord (for vouchers). The lease spells out your rights and responsibilities. You must pay your portion of rent on time, keep the unit clean and in good condition, follow all lease rules, and report changes in household income or composition to GHA.

GHA can terminate your lease if you violate its terms — for example, if you do not pay rent, allow unauthorized occupants to live in the unit, engage in criminal activity, or damage the property. Before termination, GHA must give you written notice and a chance to respond. You have the right to request a hearing before an independent officer to contest the termination.

Your rent may change if your income changes. You are required to report income changes to GHA within a set timeframe (usually 30 days). If you fail to report and GHA discovers you were paying less rent than you should have, you may owe back rent.

How to contact the Guam Housing Authority

The main GHA office is located in Hagatna. You can visit in person during business hours to ask about waiting lists, income limits, required documents, or the status of your process. Phone lines can be busy, especially early in the month, so visiting in person or calling during mid-month may be faster.

GHA's website has limited information and does not allow online applications. You must explore in person or by mail. When you contact GHA, have your Social Security number, proof of income, and proof of residency ready so staff can answer questions about your situation quickly.

If you have a complaint about how GHA treated you or believe the authority violated your lease or your rights, you can file a grievance with GHA's management office. GHA must respond to grievances within a set timeframe and may hold a hearing if you request one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for GHA public housing?

Wait times vary depending on how many units are available and how many households are on the list. Some applicants wait months; others wait years. GHA can tell you your current position on the list if you call with your process number. The authority also prioritizes certain households, such as those experiencing homelessness, which may move them up the list faster.

Can I use a GHA voucher in any rental home?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass GHA's housing quality inspection. Not all landlords participate in the voucher program. If you find a willing landlord, GHA will inspect the unit before signing a contract and making payments to the landlord.

What happens if my income increases while I am in a GHA program?

You must report the income increase to GHA within 30 days. Your rent will increase to reflect the higher income. If your income rises above GHA's limit for the program, you may be required to leave the program, though GHA usually gives you time to find alternative housing before terminating information.

Can GHA evict me without a hearing?

No. GHA must give you written notice of the reason for termination and an opportunity to request a hearing before an independent officer. You have the right to present your side of the story and to dispute the authority's claims. Only after the hearing process is complete can GHA proceed with eviction.

What if I disagree with GHA's decision about my process or my lease?

You can file a grievance with GHA's management office. The authority must respond within a set timeframe and will hold a hearing if you request one. At the hearing, you can present evidence and witnesses to support your position. If you believe GHA violated territorial law, you may also have the right to appeal to a territorial court.