Housing assistance in Georgia

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Georgia

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Georgia

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than 2 months' rent, a cap added by the Safe at Home Act in 2024. Landlords with more than 10 units, or who use a management agent, must keep deposits in an escrow account (or post a bond) and tell the tenant in writing where it is held.

Safe at Home Act (2024 Ga. Laws 392); O.C.G.A. § 44-7-31

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the landlord gets possession, the landlord must return the full deposit or a written statement of the exact reasons for keeping any of it, including the move-out damage list, with any balance. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed. Landlords with more than 10 units or a management agent can owe 3 times the amount wrongfully withheld.

O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34; Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (DCA)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Before filing for eviction (dispossessory) for unpaid rent, late fees, utilities or other charges, the landlord must give a written notice to vacate or pay everything owed within 3 business days. The notice must be posted in a sealed envelope on the door and also delivered by any method the lease provides. This rule applies to leases entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2024.

O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50(c)-(d)

Landlord entry notice

No statute specifying notice; check the lease. According to the state's Landlord-Tenant Handbook, if the lease gives the landlord no right of entry, the tenant may refuse entry except in an emergency.

Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (DCA)

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control: no county or city may adopt or enforce any rule regulating the amount of rent for privately owned residential rental property. Rent can go up during a lease only if the lease allows it. Tenants at will must get 60 days' notice of an increase.

O.C.G.A. § 44-7-19

If the landlord won’t make repairs

The landlord must keep the premises in repair, and since July 1, 2024 every residential lease is deemed to promise the unit is fit for human habitation. According to the state handbook, after giving written notice a tenant may hire a qualified professional and deduct the reasonable cost from rent (not for common areas), sue for damages, or contact code enforcement. Tenants generally must keep paying rent while a dispute is pending.

O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13; Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (DCA)

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Georgia

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Georgia resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (PDF, updated February 2026)Georgia Department of Community Affairs
2. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook pageGeorgia Department of Community Affairs
3. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-31 Escrow account for security depositsJustia (Georgia Code mirror)
4. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 Return of security depositJustia (Georgia Code mirror)
5. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-50 Demand for possession; 3-day noticeJustia (Georgia Code mirror)
6. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-19 Restrictions on rent regulation by local governmentsJustia (Georgia Code mirror)
7. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13 Landlord's duty to repair; fitness for habitationJustia (Georgia Code mirror)
8. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
9. GeorgiaLegalAid.orgAtlanta Legal Aid Society / Georgia Legal Services Program
10. Atlanta HousingAtlanta Housing
11. Housing Authority of DeKalb CountyHousing Authority of DeKalb County
12. Housing Authority of SavannahHousing Authority of Savannah