Criminal screening overview
Savannah landlords set their own screening policies — there is no local ordinance limiting background check lookback periods or requiring individualized review. Larger property management companies often apply corporate-wide policies that may include automatic denial for certain offense types. Independent landlords and nonprofit housing providers tend to have more flexibility. The Housing Authority of Savannah follows HUD guidelines when reviewing applicants for the voucher program and public housing: certain convictions are prohibited by federal law (such as lifetime sex-offender registration or methamphetamine production on federally assisted property), but many other record types allow discretion. Contact HAS directly to ask how your specific situation would be reviewed.