Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Chatham County, Georgia

Chatham County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,679 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,471 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.29 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here

A man and two girls read a book together on the sofa.

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,679; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 10% more than in Georgia
Typical rent: $1,471; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 6% more than in Georgia
Wage needed: $32.29; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $67,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 54%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 3% more than in Georgia

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Chatham County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Nearby, in McIntosh County, the typical rent is $800: 46% less than in Chatham County ($1,471).
At 57%, Chatham County ranks 14th among the 159 counties in Georgia for the lowest homeownership rate.
At $1,471, Chatham County ranks 15th among the 156 counties in Georgia with this figure for the highest typical rent.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Chatham County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Chatham County was $1,734 a month in September 2026: 0.9% less than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,481	$28.48	$59,240
1 bedroom	$1,542	$29.65	$61,680
2 bedrooms	$1,679	$32.29	$67,160
3 bedrooms	$2,185	$42.02	$87,400
4 bedrooms	$2,484	$47.77	$99,360

HUD area: Savannah, GA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 15 ZIP codes in Chatham County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,520 in 31302 to $2,050 in 31410. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,679).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code and size, Fiscal year 2027. HUD area: Savannah, GA.

31302	$1,310	$1,380	$1,520	$2,020	$2,300
31322	$1,740	$1,810	$1,970	$2,560	$2,910
31328	$1,460	$1,520	$1,660	$2,160	$2,460
31401	$1,770	$1,850	$2,010	$2,620	$2,970
31404	$1,350	$1,410	$1,530	$2,020	$2,300
31405	$1,430	$1,490	$1,620	$2,110	$2,400
31406	$1,450	$1,520	$1,650	$2,150	$2,440
31407	$1,810	$1,880	$2,050	$2,670	$3,030
31408	$1,310	$1,380	$1,520	$2,020	$2,300
31409	$1,450	$1,520	$1,650	$2,140	$2,440
31410	$1,810	$1,880	$2,050	$2,670	$3,030
31411	$1,620	$1,750	$1,940	$2,600	$3,000
31415	$1,310	$1,380	$1,520	$2,020	$2,300
31419	$1,560	$1,630	$1,770	$2,300	$2,620
31421	$1,770	$1,850	$2,010	$2,620	$2,970

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
31302 $1,520$2,020
31322 $1,970$2,560
31328 $1,660$2,160
31401 $2,010$2,620
31404 $1,530$2,020
31405 $1,620$2,110
31406 $1,650$2,150
31407 $2,050$2,670
31408 $1,520$2,020
31409 $1,650$2,140
31410 $2,050$2,670
31411 $1,940$2,600
31415 $1,520$2,020
31419 $1,770$2,300
31421 $2,010$2,620

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Chatham County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

54%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

52,064 households rent in Chatham County

Spend half or more of their income 27%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
Spend less than 30% 46%

Compared with the state and the country

Chatham 54%
Georgia 52%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Chatham County

with tax credits (LIHTC): 55
HUD-assisted: 27
public housing: 5

8,032 homes in all; 5,094 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Yamacraw Village Public housing 360 Yamacraw Vlg, Savannah 31401 390 homes, 315 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Savannah · Average payment: $352 a month · (912) 235-5800
The Oaks at Brandlewood Tax credit (LIHTC) 5110 Garrard Ave, Savannah 31405 324 homes, 287 low-income · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 132 · 3 bd: 96 · In service since 2003
River Point I + II Aka Wessels/Blackshear RDV Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 939 Wheaton St, Savannah 31401 280 low-income homes · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 119 · 3 bd: 105 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2017 · For families · (912) 235-5844
Woodlands at Montgomery Tax credit (LIHTC) 227 W Montgomery Cross Rd, Savannah 31406 246 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 92 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2020
Simon Frazier Homes&herbert Kayton Homes Public housing 509 W Gwinnett Ct, Savannah 31415 236 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Savannah · Average payment: $288 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (912) 235-5800
SNAP Apartments HUD-assisted 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 233 low-income homes · For families · (912) 232-7286
Horace Stillwell Towers Public housing 5100 Waters Ave, Savannah 31404 287 homes, 210 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Savannah · Average payment: $329 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (912) 235-5800
Thomas Francis Williams Court Apts HUD-assisted 1900 Lincoln St, Savannah 31401 151 low-income homes · For older adults · (912) 233-9344
Preserves at Chatham Pkwy Tax credit (LIHTC) 1325 Chatham Pkwy, Savannah 31405 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2019 · For families
Savannah Summit Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 135 Hampstead Ave, Savannah 31405 138 low-income homes · In service since 2004 · For older adults · (912) 355-2566
Pickens Patterson Terr&single Fmly Homes Public housing 300 Lewis Dr, Savannah 31406 136 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Savannah · Average payment: $434 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (912) 235-5800
Ashley Midtown I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1518 E Park Ave, Savannah 31404 166 homes, 134 low-income · 2 bd: 108 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2004
Rendant Apartments HUD-assisted 1030 Shawnee St, Savannah 31419 129 low-income homes · For families · (912) 927-4679
Savannah Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Pennsylvania Ave, Savannah 31404 115 low-income homes · In service since 2011
Savannah Gardens I Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Pennsylvania Ave, Savannah 31404 115 homes, 114 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2011
Savannah Neighborhood Action Project (SNAP) I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 100 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2003
Westlake Apartments HUD-assisted 1900A Westlake Ave, Savannah 31405 100 low-income homes · For families · (912) 349-6712
Westlake Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1901 Westlake Ave, Savannah 31405 100 homes, 99 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2019 · For families
The Pines at Garden City HUD-assisted 145 Priscilla D Thomas Way, Garden City 31408 94 low-income homes · For families · (912) 964-1523
The Woods of Savannah HUD-assisted 7364 Hodgson Memorial Dr, Savannah 31406 94 low-income homes · For older adults · (912) 354-7053
Savannah Gardens Phase IV Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 514 Pennsylvania Ave, Savannah 31404 114 homes, 90 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2014 · For families · (912) 335-4853
Has Senior Partnership Tax credit (LIHTC) 1415 E Henry St, Savannah 31404 100 homes, 89 low-income · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
Savannah Gardens Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Pennsylvania Ave, Savannah 31404 94 homes, 89 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 27 · In service since 2014
Savannah Neighborhood Action Project (SNAP) II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 89 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2003
Glynn Pines Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 78/80 Glynnmarsh Drive, Brunswick 31405 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2019
Heritage Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1901 Florance St, Savannah 31415 86 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2002
The View at Oglethorpe II Aka Hitch Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 280 Randolph St, Savannah 31401 100 homes, 80 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2018 · For families
Sister's Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 E 37th St, Savannah 31401 78 homes, 76 low-income · In service since 1998
Wood Meadow Tax credit (LIHTC) 1133 Coldbrook Station Cir, Port Wentworth 31407 80 homes, 72 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2020 · For families
Sustainable Fellwood Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Eagle St, Savannah 31415 100 homes, 70 low-income · In service since 2011
Hertiage Corner and Hertage Row Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 617 W 40th Ln, Savannah 31415 70 low-income homes · In service since 2005
Pinewood Village II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 755 S Rogers St, Pooler 31322 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2018
Savannah Gardens 5 Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Crescent Dr, Savannah 31404 76 homes, 59 low-income
Savannah Gardens V Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Crescent Dr, Savannah 31404 76 homes, 59 low-income · In service since 2015
Paradise Savannah HUD-assisted 4920 La Roche Ave, Savannah 31404 56 low-income homes · For families · (912) 354-1173
Sheppard Station Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Brighton Woods Drive, Pooler 31322 65 homes, 52 low-income · In service since 2009
Romana Riley Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1108 E Anderson St, Savannah 31404 57 homes, 48 low-income · For older adults
Magnolia Lane Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 E US Highway 80, Bloomingdale 31302 48 low-income homes · In service since 1990
Telfair Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 17 E Park Ave, Savannah 31401 53 homes, 45 low-income · In service since 1998 · For older adults · (912) 447-4714
Rose of Sharon Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 322 E Taylor St, Savannah 31401 206 homes, 43 low-income · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (912) 234-5417
Independent Lifestyles HUD-assisted 1111 Mohawk St, Savannah 31419 40 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (912) 927-6746
Savannah Gardens Senior Residences HUD-assisted 501 Pennsylvania Ave, Savannah 31404 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (912) 335-4838
Ashley Midtown II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1518 E Park Ave, Savannah 31404 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2008
THE VIEW AT OGLETHORPE II AKA Hitch 2 HUD-assisted 280 Randolph St, Savannah 31401 100 homes, 36 low-income · For families · (912) 629-1000
The View at Oglethorpe I a/k/a Hitch 1 HUD-assisted 220 McAllister St, Savannah 31401 72 homes, 34 low-income · For families · (912) 629-1000
Ashley Midtown II Public housing 728 Waters Ave, Savannah 31404 38 homes, 20 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Savannah · Average payment: $569 a month · Average wait: 156 months · Homes at several sites · (912) 235-5800
St. Johns Villa Apartments HUD-assisted 506 Blair St, Savannah 31401 19 low-income homes · For older adults · (912) 232-5176
Savannah Neighborhood Action Project (SNAP) III Tax credit (LIHTC) 531 E Waldburg St, Savannah 31401 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 6 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2003 · For families
Chatham Assoc for Res Srv Inc I HUD-assisted 1300 Richardson St, Savannah 31404 18 homes, 16 low-income · For older adults · (912) 355-7633
IHS Savannah HUD-assisted 1928 E Montgomery Xrd, Savannah 31406 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (912) 355-1187
East Huntingdon Street Cottage Tax credit (LIHTC) 528 E Huntingdon St, Savannah 31401 14 low-income homes · In service since 1990
Georgia Infirmary B/Hamilton Place HUD-assisted 512 Hamilton Ct, Savannah 31401 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (912) 233-9344
Savannah Gardens Phase V HUD-assisted 202 Crescent Dr, Savannah 31404 114 homes, 11 low-income · (912) 335-4835
Ogeechee Place Apartments HUD-assisted 4504 Ogeechee Rd, Savannah 31405 204 homes, 10 low-income · (704) 909-4391
CARS IV Inc HUD-assisted 7220 Seawright Dr, Savannah 31406 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (912) 355-7633
Georgia Infirmary A/Habersham Place HUD-assisted 410 E 35th St, Savannah 31401 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (912) 233-9344
City of Savannah Department of Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) PO Box 1027, Savannah 31402 10 low-income homes · In service since 1995
CARS III Inc HUD-assisted 6729 Key St, Savannah 31406 7 homes, 6 low-income · For older adults · (912) 355-7633
CARS V Inc HUD-assisted 1915 E 51st St, Savannah 31404 6 homes, 5 low-income · For older adults · (912) 355-7633
Chatham Assoc for Res Srv Inc II HUD-assisted 1221 E 59th St, Savannah 31404 6 homes, 5 low-income · For older adults · (912) 355-7633
Savannah Neighborhood Action Project (SNAP) III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 2 low-income homes · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2003
Indigo Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4750 La Roche Ave, Savannah 31404 310 homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 161 · 3 bd: 106 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2002
Live Oak Plantation Tax credit (LIHTC) 8505 Waters Ave, Savannah 31406 208 homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 90 · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 26 · In service since 2002
Ashley Midtown Tax credit (LIHTC) 1518 E Park Ave, Savannah 31404 166 homes · In service since 2004
Bradley Pointe Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1355 Bradley Blvd, Savannah 31419 144 homes · In service since 2004
Montgomery Landing Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 714 W 57th St, Savannah 31405 144 homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2005
Sustainable Fellwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 1450 Barnes Dr, Savannah 31415 110 homes · In service since 2009
Sustainable Fellwood Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1325 Exley St, Savannah 31415 110 homes · In service since 2011
Savannah Neighborhood Action Project I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 100 homes · In service since 2003
Snap I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 100 homes · In service since 2003
Veranda at Midtown Tax credit (LIHTC) 1414 E Anderson St, Savannah 31404 100 homes · In service since 2006
Savannah Neighborhood Action Project II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 89 homes · In service since 2003
Snap II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 89 homes · In service since 2003
Hitch Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 280 Randolph St, Savannah 31401 72 homes · In service since 2017
Pinewood Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 755 S Rogers St, Pooler 31322 64 homes · In service since 2014
Heritage Corner/Heritage Row Tax credit (LIHTC) 1901 Florance St, Savannah 31415 61 homes · In service since 2005
Harmony Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Harmony Blvd, Pooler 31322 50 homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2012
Snap III (a) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 18 homes · In service since 2003
Snap III (b) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 10 homes · In service since 2003
Snap III (c) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 6 homes · In service since 2003
Snapiii (d) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 6 homes · In service since 2003
Snap Iii(e) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 W Henry St, Savannah 31401 5 homes · In service since 2003

5 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Chatham County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Chatham County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Savannah, GA MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$22,550	$37,600	$60,100
2 people	$25,800	$42,950	$68,700
3 people	$29,000	$48,300	$77,300
4 people	$33,000	$53,650	$85,850
5 people	$38,680	$57,950	$92,750
6 people	$44,360	$62,250	$99,600
7 people	$50,040	$66,550	$106,500
8 people	$55,720	$70,850	$113,350

Area median income: $107,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Savannah, GA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,333 – $1,629
1 bedroom $1,388 – $1,696
2 bedrooms $1,511 – $1,847
3 bedrooms $1,967 – $2,404
4 bedrooms $2,236 – $2,732

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Housing Authority of Savannah Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,438 vouchers · 935 public housing units (912) 235-5800 Housing Authority of Savannah: info@savannahpha.com

Housing agencies in Georgia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Georgia

What Georgia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

How much can they charge for a deposit?: Up to 2 months of rent; O.C.G.A. §44-7-30.1
When must they return my deposit?: 30 days; O.C.G.A. §44-7-34
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 3 business days; O.C.G.A. §44-7-50(a)
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?: 60 days; O.C.G.A. §44-7-7

Only a court order can remove youO.C.G.A. §44-7-14.1; §44-7-50 et seq.
Protection from retaliationO.C.G.A. §44-7-24

Help

Where to get help with rent in Chatham County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Chatham County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CS
Credit.org - Savannah, GA Branch

100 Bull St, Savannah · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
(800) 431-8157

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Chatham County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Run by Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS)

Help from the federal LIHEAP program in Georgia to pay the home energy bill, through your county's community action agency

See details

See every agency in Georgia Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Chatham County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in Georgia, the average home bill was $151 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Chatham County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,679. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,358

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,679
Security deposit: $1,679
Total: $3,358

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Chatham County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,481; 1 bedroom: $1,542; 2 bedrooms: $1,679; 3 bedrooms: $2,185; 4 bedrooms: $2,484. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Chatham County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,679) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.29 an hour full time, or $67,160 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Chatham County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,650 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Chatham County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,511 and $1,847 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Chatham County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,520 in 31302 to $2,050 in 31410. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Chatham County?

HUD lists 82 properties with homes for low-income households in Chatham County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Chatham County?

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Chatham County, Georgia

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Chatham County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Chatham County

The Section 8 voucher in Chatham County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Georgia

Where to get help with rent in Chatham County

Rental assistance programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Chatham County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Chatham County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Chatham County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Chatham County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Chatham County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Chatham County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Chatham County?