Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hartwell, GA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hartwell, GA, but with restrictions. Hart County requires licensed short-term rentals with owner/agent local contact and posting of the ordinance-required notice and a copy of the license at the rental; application collects number of bedrooms, maximum overnight occupancy, heated square footage, and offers a primary-residence affidavit option. Any rental with 10 or more occupants must comply with Georgia state hotel/motel regulations. City of Hartwell municipal code shows no separate city STR ordinance; Hart County rules apply to properties in the county. 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.

Hart County requires licensed short-term rentals with owner/agent local contact and posting of the ordinance-required notice and a copy of the license at the rental; application collects number of bedrooms, maximum overnight occupancy, heated square footage, and offers a primary-residence affidavit option. Any rental with 10 or more occupants must comply with Georgia state hotel/motel regulations. City of Hartwell municipal code shows no separate city STR ordinance; Hart County rules apply to properties in the county.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hartwell. 1) Complete the Hart County Short Term Rental Business License Application (provide property address, number of bedrooms, maximum overnight occupancy, local agent/contact, and platform monthly statement if using an online platform). 2) Submit the application and required attachments and pay the initial fee to Hart County Administrative Offices (address/phone listed on application). 3) Post the ordinance-required notice, a copy of the rental license, and the ordinance conditions at the rental; licenses are annual (initial and yearly fees shown in county fee schedule).

1) Complete the Hart County Short Term Rental Business License Application (provide property address, number of bedrooms, maximum overnight occupancy, local agent/contact, and platform monthly statement if using an online platform). 2) Submit the application and required attachments and pay the initial fee to Hart County Administrative Offices (address/phone listed on application). 3) Post the ordinance-required notice, a copy of the rental license, and the ordinance conditions at the rental; licenses are annual (initial and yearly fees shown in county fee schedule).

Vrbo is permitted in Hartwell, 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 Hartwell 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 Hartwell. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.