Short-Term Rental Regulations
in DeKalb County, GA

Airbnb listings are allowed in DeKalb County, GA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (30 days or less) are permitted in unincorporated DeKalb County subject to an 8% excise tax and mandatory annual permit registration. Owners must provide a 24-hour contact for a designated agent and ensure guests do not disrupt the neighborhood's quiet enjoyment; permits are non-transferable and specific to one location. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (30 days or less) are permitted in unincorporated DeKalb County subject to an 8% excise tax and mandatory annual permit registration. Owners must provide a 24-hour contact for a designated agent and ensure guests do not disrupt the neighborhood's quiet enjoyment; permits are non-transferable and specific to one location.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in DeKalb County. 1. Monitor the DeKalb County Business License Division for the release of the application portal (expected by May 2026). 2. Submit an application including owner/property info, 24-hour contact for a designated agent, and parking details. 3. Pay the required fees and ensure compliance with the 8% excise tax; permits must be renewed annually.

1. Monitor the DeKalb County Business License Division for the release of the application portal (expected by May 2026). 2. Submit an application including owner/property info, 24-hour contact for a designated agent, and parking details. 3. Pay the required fees and ensure compliance with the 8% excise tax; permits must be renewed annually.

Vrbo is permitted in DeKalb County, GA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in DeKalb County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for DeKalb County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.