Savannah Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate (owner-occupied)

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

STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate (non-owner-occupied)

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: subject to 20% ward cap; moratorium in Downtown and Victorian Districts.

Application Process

Applications processed exclusively through Rentalscape online portal (as of July 26, 2024). Steps: verify zoning, request $50 zoning confirmation letter, notify neighbors, apply via Rentalscape with documentation, schedule life safety inspection, obtain Business Tax Certificate post-approval.

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 15% of gross rental income.

Collection: Airbnb and VRBO auto-remit; hosts using other platforms or direct bookings self-remit to City of Savannah Revenue Department and Georgia DOR

Filing: Monthly by 20th of following month; file with City of Savannah Revenue Department and Georgia Department of Revenue

Rental Limits

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

Occupancy & Density Limits

1–2 bedrooms: max 4 adults; 3+ bedrooms: max 2 adults per bedroom

Zoning & Restrictions

Permitted only in STVR overlay district (Downtown, Victorian, Streetcar historic districts); non-owner-occupied STVRs subject to 20% ward cap (moratorium currently in Downtown and Victorian districts)

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Liability insurance is required for the property's use as a short-term rental. No minimum coverage amount is specified in the ordinance.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Functional smoke detectors in sleeping areas and common spaces
• Carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances
• Fire extinguishers in accessible locations
• Proper emergency egress from sleeping areas
• Initial life safety inspection required
• Annual compliance verification
• 24/7 agent availability required

Penalties for Non-Compliance

First violation: $500; second violation within 12 months: $750; third violation within 12 months: $1,000

Platform Requirements

• Certificate number must appear in all advertisements
• Airbnb and VRBO auto-remit taxes but hosts remain ultimately responsible.

Market Snapshot

Demand context for Savannah from official government and tourism statistics — the latest published annual figures, not a projection of rental income.

Major annual events: St. Patrick's Day Celebration (March) · Savannah Music Festival (Late March to mid-April) · Savannah Jazz Festival (September) · Savannah Film Festival (SCAD) — October

Reminder: permit availability is constrained in this market (see the caveat near the top of this page) — demand figures do not mean a new permit is obtainable.

Figures are the latest annual statistics published by the linked official sources (retrieved 2026-07-13). Visitor counts cover the geography stated by each source, which can be wider than the city itself. Regulations above — not market conditions — determine whether and how you may operate.

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Determine your permit type. Savannah has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate, STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate…).
2. Meet safety requirements. Functional smoke detectors in sleeping areas and common spaces. Carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances. Fire extinguishers in accessible locations. Proper emergency egress from sleeping areas. Initial life safety inspection required. Annual compliance verification. 24/7 agent availability required.
3. Obtain liability insurance. Required for property's use as a short-term rental.
4. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $400 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
5. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Savannah Revenue Department and Georgia Department of Revenue.
6. Collect and remit taxes. 15% on all bookings.
7. Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Savannah?

Operating a short-term rental in Savannah requires a permit, and Savannah has restricted or paused new short-term rental permits (a moratorium or grandfathering applies). Confirm current availability with the city before buying a property to rent.

Are there major restrictions on short-term rentals in Savannah?

Yes — Permitted only in STVR overlay district (Downtown, Victorian, Streetcar historic districts); non-owner-occupied STVRs subject to 20% ward cap (moratorium currently in Downtown and Victorian districts). Review the full rules above before listing.

Does Savannah require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

Savannah is not issuing new short-term rental permits, so in practice only previously permitted (grandfathered) properties can operate — regardless of whether it is your primary residence.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Savannah?

Savannah 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 Savannah?

Short-term rental stays in Savannah are subject to a combined 15% in lodging taxes. This combines 8% Savannah Local Hotel/Motel Tax + 7% Georgia State Sales Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in Savannah?

Penalties run up to $1,000.