What the Housing Authority of Savannah does

The Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Savannah and Chatham County, Georgia. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it contracts with private landlords and property owners who agree to rent units at below-market rates to low-income residents. HAS also administers federal vouchers that help tenants pay rent directly to their landlords.

The agency operates under federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs follow federal rules about income limits, rent calculations, and tenant rights, but HAS is the local body that processes applications, manages waiting lists, and handles day-to-day tenant issues.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Savannah manages public housing units and rental voucher programs for low-income residents in Savannah and Chatham County.
  • Most HAS housing is owned by private landlords, not the agency itself, so your landlord and lease terms depend on which property you are assigned to.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically long and may be closed to new applications; you can contact HAS to learn the current status.
  • Rent is calculated as a percentage of your income (usually 30 percent) rather than a flat amount, and HAS verifies income annually.
  • You must meet income limits based on household size, and those limits change yearly based on area median income.

Public housing versus voucher programs

HAS runs two main types of programs. Public housing means HAS owns or leases the building and you rent directly from the agency. Voucher programs (also called Section 8) mean you find a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher, and HAS pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest.

Public housing is simpler in one way: you explore to HAS, get placed on a waiting list, and when a unit opens, HAS assigns you to it. You do not search for a landlord. Voucher programs give you more choice — you can look for any rental property whose owner will accept the voucher — but you have to do the legwork of finding and negotiating with landlords. Both programs have long waiting lists, and both calculate your rent as a percentage of your household income.

The waiting lists are separate. You can be on both at the same time, but you will be offered housing from whichever list reaches your name first. Once you accept a unit or voucher, you are removed from the other list.

How to contact the Housing Authority of Savannah

The main office is located at 2 East 41st Street, Savannah, GA 31401. You can reach them by phone at (912) 651-6772 during business hours. The agency also maintains a website where you can find current information about waiting list status, income limits, and program rules.

When you call or visit, ask whether the waiting list for the program you are interested in is open. Many housing authorities, including HAS, periodically close their waiting lists when they become too long. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can request to be notified when applications resume.

You can also ask about other local rental information programs if HAS waiting lists are closed. The agency staff may know about emergency funds, nonprofit housing programs, or other resources in the Savannah area.

Income limits and rent calculation

To be considered for HAS programs, your household income must fall below a certain threshold. These limits are set annually by HUD based on the area median income for Savannah and Chatham County. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four, and the limits increase with each additional family member. The exact dollar amounts change each year, so you will need to contact HAS or check their website to learn the current limits for your household size.

Once you are accepted into a program, your rent is typically set at 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your income is very low, HAS may charge a minimum rent instead (usually around $50 to $75 per month, depending on program rules). Every year, HAS will ask you to report your income again. If your income increases, your rent increases. If it decreases, your rent decreases.

What to bring when you explore

You will need to prove your identity, income, household composition, and immigration status. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), Social Security cards for all household members, and recent pay stubs or tax returns to show income. If you receive benefits like Social Security, unemployment, or TANF, bring documentation of those payments.

You will also need to provide information about any assets (bank accounts, vehicles) and explain any gaps in your housing history. If you have been evicted or have unpaid rent from a previous landlord, disclose it. HAS will investigate your background, but a past eviction does not automatically disqualify you — the agency looks at the circumstances and how long ago it occurred.

Bring proof of residency in Savannah or Chatham County if you have it (a utility bill or lease in your name). You do not have to live in the area to explore, but HAS prioritizes people already living locally.

Waiting lists and how long they take

After you submit your process, HAS will place you on a waiting list in the order applications were received (with some exceptions for people with disabilities or other priority circumstances). Waiting times vary widely. In some cases, you might wait months. In others, it could be years. The length depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units or vouchers become available.

HAS will contact you when a unit or voucher is offered. You will have a limited time to accept or decline. If you decline, you stay on the list but move to the back. If you accept, you move into the unit or begin your voucher search. Once you are housed, you can stay as long as you meet the program rules (paying rent on time, maintaining the property, reporting income changes).

Tenant rights and responsibilities

As a tenant in HAS public housing or using an HAS voucher, you have the same legal rights as any renter in Georgia. Your landlord (whether it is HAS or a private owner) must provide a safe, habitable unit with working heat, water, plumbing, and electrical systems. You have the right to privacy and the right to a written lease.

You are responsible for paying your portion of the rent on time, keeping the unit clean and undamaged, and following lease rules. If you fall behind on rent, HAS or your landlord can begin eviction proceedings. If the unit has serious maintenance problems, you can request repairs in writing and, if they are not made, may have legal grounds to withhold rent or break the lease (though you should consult a legal aid attorney before doing so).

HAS conducts inspections of public housing units and voucher properties to may support they meet housing quality standards. If a unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in or continue living there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Housing Authority of Savannah waiting list open right now?

Waiting list status changes. Call (912) 651-6772 or visit the HAS office to ask whether applications are being taken for public housing, vouchers, or both. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can request notification when it does.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

HAS will review your background, but a criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The agency looks at what happened, when it happened, and whether you have addressed the issue since. Be honest on your process. If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing to explain your circumstances.

Can I choose which neighborhood or building I live in?

With public housing, no — HAS assigns you to an available unit. With a voucher, yes — you search for properties and negotiate with landlords, though not all landlords accept vouchers. Some landlords refuse voucher tenants, which is illegal discrimination in most cases, but it happens. HAS staff can sometimes help you find landlords who accept vouchers.

What happens if my income increases?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. HAS recalculates rent annually based on the income you report. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program, but HAS usually gives you time to transition out rather than evicting you when ready.

Can I transfer to a different unit or neighborhood?

Transfer policies vary by program. Contact HAS to ask about their transfer process. Some agencies allow transfers after you have lived in a unit for a certain period, while others have limited transfer options. Transfers are usually not may provide and depend on unit availability.