What the Savannah Housing Authority does

The Savannah Housing Authority (SHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Savannah and Chatham County, Georgia. It owns and operates public housing developments, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and runs other rental information initiatives. SHA does not build or fund housing itself — it distributes federal money and manages properties on behalf of residents who meet income limits.

SHA serves as the landlord in public housing and as the intermediary between tenants and private landlords in the voucher program. If you live in SHA public housing, SHA is your landlord. If you hold an SHA voucher, SHA pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord you choose, and you pay the rest.

Key Takeaways

  • The Savannah Housing Authority manages public housing developments and Section 8 vouchers for low-income households in Savannah and Chatham County.
  • Public housing and voucher programs both have income limits that vary by household size, and you must meet those limits to be considered.
  • SHA maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers; the wait time depends on the program and can be months or years.
  • You can contact SHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current waiting lists and what documents you will need.
  • SHA has rules about who can live with you, how much rent you pay, and what happens if you break the lease — these rules differ between public housing and voucher programs.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

SHA operates two main programs, and they work differently. In public housing, SHA owns the building and you rent directly from SHA. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, with a minimum amount. SHA handles maintenance and repairs. In the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, you find a private rental property, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and SHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest.

Public housing offers more stability because SHA is the landlord and has strict rules about eviction. Vouchers offer more choice because you can live anywhere in the area where a landlord will accept the voucher. Both programs require you to meet income limits and pass a background check. Both have waiting lists, and both charge rent based on your income rather than market rate.

Income limits and who can live in SHA housing

To be considered for SHA public housing or a voucher, your household income must fall below a limit set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The limit depends on your household size and changes each year. For example, the 2024 limit for a family of four in Savannah is roughly $52,000 per year, but this figure changes annually. You can contact SHA directly to learn the current limit for your household size.

SHA also runs background checks and will deny housing if you have certain criminal convictions, owe money to a previous housing authority, or have a history of lease violations. You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. If you have a family member with a disability, SHA must make reasonable accommodations, such as accessible units or modified lease terms.

How to get on the waiting list

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists. To get on the list, you contact SHA, provide proof of income, identity, and residency, and complete an intake form. SHA will tell you whether the list is open or closed. When a list is closed, SHA is not taking new names; you must wait until it reopens. Reopening dates are not set in advance and depend on how many people are on the list and how fast SHA is issuing vouchers or filling units.

Once you are on the list, SHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. The wait time varies widely — it can be months for vouchers in a fast-moving program or several years in a program with a long list. You can call SHA to ask where you stand on the list, but SHA cannot tell you exactly when your turn will come. If your contact information changes, you must update SHA or you may miss the call when a unit is offered.

What happens after you are offered housing

If SHA offers you a unit or voucher, you will have a limited time to accept or decline — usually 10 to 14 days. If you accept, SHA will schedule a move-in inspection and explain the lease and house rules. For public housing, you sign a lease with SHA. For vouchers, you find a property, the landlord signs a lease with SHA, and you sign a separate lease with the landlord.

In both cases, you must pay your portion of rent on time, keep the unit in good condition, and follow lease rules. SHA can evict you for nonpayment, lease violations, or criminal activity. If you are evicted from SHA housing, you may be barred from the program for a set period. SHA also conducts annual inspections of public housing units and periodic inspections of voucher properties to may support they meet housing quality standards.

Rent and what you pay each month

In SHA public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $100 per month, depending on SHA policy). If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. SHA reviews your income annually and adjusts your rent accordingly. You pay SHA directly, usually by check or automatic payment.

In the Section 8 voucher program, the rent is set by the landlord and the market, but SHA will only pay up to a limit called the payment standard. If the rent is higher than the payment standard, you pay the difference. If the rent is lower, you pay less. You pay your portion directly to the landlord. SHA pays its portion to the landlord. Your portion is still based on 30 percent of your income, but the calculation is more complex because it accounts for the voucher amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact the Savannah Housing Authority?

SHA's main office is located in Savannah. You can reach them by phone during business hours, visit in person, or mail a letter. The phone number and address are on SHA's website. When you call, ask whether the waiting list for public housing or vouchers is open and what documents you need to bring to explore.

What if I am denied housing by SHA?

SHA must give you a written reason for denial. Common reasons include income above the limit, a criminal conviction, or a previous eviction from SHA housing. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the denial. SHA will explain the hearing process in the denial letter. You can also reapply after a set period if your circumstances change.

Can I move to a different unit or neighborhood with my voucher?

Yes, you can move as long as you find a landlord who accepts the voucher and the rent is at or below SHA's payment standard for that area. You must notify SHA before you move and get SHA approval of the new unit. SHA will inspect the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards before you move in.

What happens if I lose my job or my income drops?

Tell SHA about the change right away. In public housing, your rent will be recalculated and likely drop. In the voucher program, your portion of rent may also drop, but the calculation is different. SHA will ask for proof of the income change, such as a termination letter or recent pay stubs. Do not wait to report the change — if you fall behind on rent, SHA can begin eviction.

Can SHA help me if I am behind on rent?

SHA itself does not pay back rent for you. However, you may be able to get help through emergency rental information programs run by the City of Savannah or Chatham County. These are separate from SHA. Contact your local 211 service or the city housing office to learn whether emergency funds are available. If you are in SHA housing and behind on rent, contact SHA when ready to discuss a payment plan.