Atlanta Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Short-Term Rental License (STRL) ($150) |
| Primary Residence | ✓ Required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit — 30 days or fewer per stay |
| Tax Rate | 12% |
| 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)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia State Sales Tax | 4% | State of Georgia |
| Atlanta Hotel/Motel Tax | 8% | City of Atlanta |
| Atlanta Hotel/Motel Fee | $5/night | City of Atlanta |
Combined rate: 12% 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. Each individual stay must be 30 days or fewer per stay.
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
Safety & Operating 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
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:
- Confirm eligibility. The property must be your primary residence. Investment properties are not eligible.
- 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.
- Apply for Short-Term Rental License (STRL). Submit application + $150 fee.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
- Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
- Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $150 renewal fee.
Official Sources
- Short-Term Rental - City of Atlanta
- City of Atlanta Short Term Rental Program - ATL311
- Part 20 - Short Term Rentals | Code of Ordinances | Atlanta, GA
- Code of Ordinances - Atlanta, GA - Municode Library
- State Hotel-Motel Fee - Georgia Department of Revenue
- Hotel-Motel Excise Tax - Georgia Department of Community Affairs
- Office of Buildings - Short-Term Rental Division - City of Atlanta
- Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Georgia - Airbnb Help Center
- Office of Revenue | Atlanta, GA