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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Atlanta, GA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted only for a property that is the owner’s primary residence and one additional dwelling unit per owner; an STR is defined as lodging for not more than 30 consecutive days. Hosts must post the City-issued STR license number on all listings and designate an STR Agent to meet duties specified in Sec. 20-1006.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the Accela permitting portal and submit notarized affidavits (Primary Residence, Agent Authorization, etc.). 2) Pay the $150 application fee at submission. 3) Upon approval, receive an STRL valid for 12 months, which must be renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Atlanta

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2021

Principal Residence STR Ordinance Fully in Effect

Atlanta's short-term rental ordinance requires all vacation rental operators to hold a city STR license, which is available only to Atlanta residents operating from their primary home. Investment properties and absentee-owned vacation rentals are not eligible for licensing. The ordinance was passed in 2021 and fully implemented after a compliance grace period.

Official source
PassedMay 2024

STR Enforcement Campaign Against Non-Compliant Listings

Atlanta's Department of City Planning has conducted enforcement campaigns targeting Airbnb and Vrbo listings operating without a valid STR license. The city works with platforms to obtain data on non-licensed listings and issues cease-and-desist notices with fines up to $1,000 per day for non-compliant operators.

PassedNovember 2023

License Renewal and Compliance Verification

Atlanta requires annual STR license renewal, which includes re-verification of the operator's primary residence status. Operators who have moved or no longer occupy the property as their primary home are not eligible for renewal, and their license is revoked.

Official Resources

Official Atlanta STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Atlanta REALTORS® AssociationLocal

Tracks Atlanta zoning and land-use regulations affecting short-term rental property investments. Has engaged with city council on the principal residence requirement's impact on property owners.

Georgia Association of REALTORS®Statewide

Statewide association monitoring property regulations across Georgia, including Atlanta's STR ordinance and any state preemption legislation that may emerge.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and advocacy for vacation rental managers navigating Atlanta's restrictive principal residence framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Atlanta, GA?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted only for a property that is the owner’s primary residence and one additional dwelling unit per owner; an STR is defined as lodging for not more than 30 consecutive days. Hosts must post the City-issued STR license number on all listings and designate an STR Agent to meet duties specified in Sec. 20-1006.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Atlanta?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Atlanta. 1) Apply online via the Accela permitting portal and submit notarized affidavits (Primary Residence, Agent Authorization, etc.). 2) Pay the $150 application fee at submission. 3) Upon approval, receive an STRL valid for 12 months, which must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Atlanta?
1) Apply online via the Accela permitting portal and submit notarized affidavits (Primary Residence, Agent Authorization, etc.). 2) Pay the $150 application fee at submission. 3) Upon approval, receive an STRL valid for 12 months, which must be renewed annually.
Can I operate a short-term rental in Atlanta if I don't live in the property?
No. Atlanta's STR ordinance requires the operator to be an Atlanta resident and to use the property as their primary home. Investment properties, second homes, and absentee-owned rentals are ineligible for STR licensing. Operating without a license carries fines up to $1,000 per day. If you are considering purchasing Atlanta property specifically for STR investment purposes, the current ordinance effectively prohibits that use case.
How do I get an Atlanta short-term rental license?
Eligible Atlanta primary residents apply for an STR license through the Atlanta Department of City Planning. The application requires proof of primary residency (driver's license, voter registration, utility bills in your name at the property address), proof of property ownership or a lease authorizing subletting, and payment of the licensing fee. Annual renewal requires re-verification of primary residency status. The STR license number must appear in all listing platform postings.
What taxes apply to Atlanta short-term rental income?
Licensed Atlanta STR operators must collect Georgia state sales tax (4%), Atlanta hotel/motel tax (8%), and Fulton County hotel/motel tax. The combined rate on rental receipts is typically 15–17%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Georgia state tax and most local taxes on behalf of hosts. Operators should confirm which specific taxes their platform remits and retain documentation of all tax remittances.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction