In partnership with the Economic Opportunity Authority of Savannah-Chatham County, the United Way of the Coastal Empire, and Georgia Legal Services Program, The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire is offering free mediations for private (non-subsidized) landlord-tenant cases in Savannah and Chatham County who are experiencing COVID-related rent hardships and disputes.

Many in our community have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, this has affected their ability to pay rent, although a federally mandated eviction moratorium allows them to remain in their housing. With the eviction moratorium set to expire at the end of the month, the Mediation Center and our community partners anticipate that landlord-tenant mediation can resolve COVID-related disputes without initiating eviction proceedings.

Mediation is a process facilitated by a neutral third party to help disputants settle their dispute with an agreement that fits both parties’ needs. The landlord and tenant must both agree to mediate. Landlord- tenant mediation will be available free of charge during the weeks of March 22-26 and March 29-April 1.

Limited mediations are available, so landlords and tenants are encouraged to request a mediation early.

These mediations will give landlords and tenants the opportunity to create a plan for resolving past-due balances. Landlords and tenants may also access rent relief provided by the United Way of the Coastal Empire and Economic Authority of Savannah and Chatham County.

The Chatham County Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides rent and utility assistance to qualified recipients. The fund helps tenants pay up to three months of past-due balances for rent or utility bills, obtained from March of 2020 to current. The loss of income must be directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority is given to households at risk of eviction, household income does not exceed 50% of the area median household income, and one or more individuals in the household are unemployed and have not been employed for the 90-day period preceding the application. Applicants are encouraged to provide documentation as proof of need.

Support from the City of Savannah and Chatham County made this partnership possible. For more information about the landlord-tenant mediations, please contact Jill Cheeks,