What the Housing Authority of Savannah does

The Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing and administers the Section 8 voucher program in Savannah and Chatham County. It does not provide cash information or emergency grants. Instead, it owns apartment buildings where tenants pay rent based on their income, and it gives vouchers to low-income households that let them rent from private landlords while the program subsidizes part of the rent.

HAS serves as the local public housing authority for the Savannah area. If you live in Savannah or unincorporated Chatham County and need affordable rental housing, HAS is the agency you contact. If you live in a different city or county in Georgia, you would contact that area's housing authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Savannah runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at private landlords).
  • Both programs require income verification and a background check; waiting lists are typically closed and reopen unpredictably.
  • Public housing rent is based on 30 percent of your household income; Section 8 voucher rent works the same way.
  • You can contact HAS directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office to ask about waiting list status and what documents you need.

Public housing apartments managed by HAS

HAS owns and operates public housing developments across Savannah. These are apartment complexes where the authority is the landlord. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. The authority handles maintenance, utilities are often included or subsidized, and you sign a lease directly with HAS.

Public housing is not temporary. You can stay as long as you meet the lease terms and income limits. However, if your income rises above the program ceiling, you may be asked to leave or your rent will increase significantly. HAS conducts annual income recertifications to check whether you still meet the program's income requirements.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a rental subsidy that HAS gives you to use at a private landlord of your choice. You find an apartment on the open market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HAS pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference, which is typically 30 percent of your household income. The voucher is portable — if you move within the Savannah area, you can take it with you as long as the new landlord accepts it.

Not all landlords accept Section 8 vouchers. Some refuse because of program rules, paperwork, or past experience. HAS maintains a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers in the past, but that list is not a may provide that those landlords will accept a new voucher holder. You are responsible for finding a landlord willing to rent to you.

Like public housing, Section 8 rent is based on 30 percent of your income. HAS conducts annual recertifications to verify your income and household composition. If your income rises above the program limit, your voucher may be terminated.

Income limits and who can explore

HAS sets income limits based on the area median income for Savannah and Chatham County. These limits change each year. For example, a household of one person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, and a household of four might have a limit around $55,000 to $65,000, but these figures vary year to year and by program. You must contact HAS directly to learn the current limits.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. HAS will verify this during the process process. You cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years, and you cannot have committed certain crimes. HAS conducts a criminal background check on all household members age 18 and older.

Families, elderly persons, and people with disabilities are all served by HAS programs. There is no single income limit that applies to everyone — it depends on your household size and the specific program.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists. Most of the time, these lists are closed, meaning HAS is not accepting new applications. When a list opens, it typically stays open for a limited period — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months — and then closes again. The wait time from the day you are added to the list until you receive housing or a voucher can be months or years, depending on the program and your priority status.

To find out whether a waiting list is open, contact HAS directly by phone at their main office or visit in person. You can also check their website, though the most reliable way is a direct call. When you call, ask specifically whether the public housing list and the Section 8 list are open, because they may have different statuses.

If a list is open and you want to explore, HAS will tell you what documents to bring or mail in. You will need proof of income, proof of identity, proof of residency in the Savannah area, and information about all household members. The exact list of required documents depends on your situation.

Documents you will need

HAS requires proof of income for all working household members. This typically means recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If you receive benefits like Social Security or unemployment, bring the award letter or benefit statement. If you have no income, bring a statement explaining that.

You will also need a photo ID for the head of household and all adults in the home. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address in Savannah or Chatham County.

HAS will conduct a background check on all household members age 18 and older, so you do not need to bring a criminal record yourself — they will obtain it. However, if you have a record and want to explain circumstances, you can bring documentation of rehabilitation or other context.

How to contact the Housing Authority of Savannah

The Housing Authority of Savannah is located in Savannah, Georgia. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, required documents, and process procedures. Their phone number and office address are available through a local directory search or by calling 211, which is a free referral line that can provide contact information for housing programs in your area.

You can also visit the HAS office in person to pick up an process or ask questions. Bring your documents with you if the waiting list is open and you are ready to explore. If you prefer to mail in an process, ask HAS for their mailing address and what documents they need by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a Section 8 voucher?

The wait depends on the program and how many people are ahead of you on the list. Some people wait six months; others wait two years or longer. HAS can tell you the current average wait time when you call. If you are elderly or have a disability, you may be placed in a priority category that moves you up the list faster.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in public housing or on a Section 8 voucher?

HAS conducts annual recertifications and will discover the income increase. If your income exceeds the program limit, your voucher may be terminated or you may be asked to leave public housing. Some programs allow a brief period to move out before termination takes effect. Report income changes to HAS as soon as they happen rather than waiting for recertification.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher if I move out of Savannah?

You can transfer your voucher to another housing authority's area, but you must request a transfer and the receiving authority must have available vouchers. This process takes time and is not may provide. If you plan to move, contact HAS before you leave to understand your options.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

HAS will consider your background but does not automatically deny you. Certain crimes — particularly drug-related felonies in the past three years — are disqualifying. For other offenses or an eviction, HAS reviews the details and may still approve you. Bring documentation of rehabilitation, stable housing since the event, or other mitigating factors if you have it.

Do I have to use a landlord from HAS's list?

No. With a Section 8 voucher, you can approach any landlord. HAS's list is just a reference of landlords who have worked with the program before. Many landlords not on the list will accept vouchers if you ask. The landlord must pass HAS's inspection and agree to the program's terms, but the choice of where to live is yours.