Atlanta Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-04
TL;DR
Atlanta requires Short-Term Rental License (STRL) ($150) and the property must be your primary residence. Combined tax rate is 12% + $5 per night (4% state + 8% city). No annual day limit.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Short-Term Rental License (STRL) ($150)
Primary Residence ✓ Required
Annual Day Limit No limit
Tax Rate 12% + $5 per night (4% state + 8% city)
Max Penalty Fines apply (amount varies)
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental License (STRL)

FeeAmount
Initial cost$150
Renewal$150 / 1 year

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Application Process

Online application only; notification via certified mail required to each adjacent property; $150 non-refundable application fee; must provide 24-hour contact info for short-term rental agent

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Georgia State Sales Tax 4% Georgia Department of Revenue
City of Atlanta Hotel-Motel Tax 8% City of Atlanta Office of Revenue
Georgia State Hotel-Motel Fee $5 per night Georgia Department of Revenue

Combined rate: 12% + $5 per night of gross rental income.

Collection: Airbnb and VRBO auto-remit some taxes; hosts self-remit city hotel-motel tax to Atlanta Office of Revenue; state taxes remitted to Georgia DOR

Filing: Monthly; due by 20th of following month; file Atlanta hotel-motel tax with City of Atlanta Office of Revenue; state taxes with Georgia DOR

Rental Limits

Atlanta does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Maximum two adults per bedroom

Zoning & Restrictions

Primary residences only; one license covers primary residence plus one additional dwelling; application requires online submission only

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Atlanta does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations may result in immediate termination and eviction of guests, and payment of fines levied by the city

Platform Requirements

License number must be listed on each online listing

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Atlanta:

  1. Confirm eligibility. The property must be your primary residence. Investment properties are not eligible.
  2. Meet safety requirements. Written rules posted in short-term rental unit acknowledging noise ordinance limits. Written acknowledgement of maximum occupancy (two adults per bedroom). Short-term rental agent name and emergency contact posted in visible place. License number listed on each online listing.
  3. Apply for Short-Term Rental License (STRL). Submit application + $150 fee.
  4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Georgia Department of Revenue and City of Atlanta Office of Revenue.
  5. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
  6. Collect and remit taxes. 12% + $5 per night on all bookings.
  7. Renew annually. $150 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Atlanta?
Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Atlanta requires a Short-Term Rental License (STRL).
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Atlanta?
A Short-Term Rental License (STRL) in Atlanta costs $150 per year.
Does Atlanta require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
Yes. Every Atlanta permit type requires the property to be your primary residence, so investment or non-owner-occupied rentals generally are not eligible.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Atlanta?
Atlanta does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.
What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Atlanta?
Short-term rental stays in Atlanta are subject to a combined 12% + $5 per night in lodging taxes. This combines 4% Georgia State Sales Tax + 8% City of Atlanta Hotel-Motel Tax + $5 per night Georgia State Hotel-Motel Fee. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in Atlanta?
Violations may result in immediate termination and eviction of guests, and payment of fines levied by the city.

Official Sources

  1. Short-Term Rental - City of Atlanta
  2. City of Atlanta Short Term Rental Program - ATL311
  3. Part 20 - SHORT TERM RENTALS | Code of Ordinances | Atlanta, GA | Municode Library
  4. Code of Ordinances - Atlanta, GA - Municode Library
  5. State Hotel-Motel Fee - Georgia Department of Revenue
  6. Hotel-Motel Excise Tax - Georgia Department of Community Affairs
  7. Office of Buildings - Short-Term Rental Division - City of Atlanta
  8. Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Georgia - Airbnb Help Center
  9. Office of Revenue | Atlanta, GA