Savannah Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate ($400) — See below for other permit types |
| Primary Residence | Varies by permit type |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit — 30 days or fewer per stay |
| Tax Rate | 15% |
| Max Penalty | $1,000 per violation |
| Insurance | $1,000,000 liability required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
- STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate — You live in the property and rent part or all of it ($400)
- STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate (subject to 20% ward cap; moratorium in Downtown and Victorian Districts) — Not owner-occupied; subject to 20% ward cap; moratorium in Downtown and Victorian Districts ($400)
STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $400 |
| Renewal | $250 / 1 year |
The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.
STVR Certificate + Business Tax Certificate (subject to 20% ward cap; moratorium in Downtown and Victorian Districts)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $400 |
| Renewal | $250 / 1 year |
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
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah Local Hotel/Motel Tax | 8% | City of Savannah Revenue Department |
| Georgia State Sales Tax | 7% | Georgia Department of Revenue |
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. Each individual stay must be 30 days or fewer per stay.
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
Operators must maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.
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.
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Savannah:
- 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 (subject to 20% ward cap; moratorium in Downtown and Victorian Districts)).
- 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.
- Obtain liability insurance. $1,000,000 minimum.
- Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $400 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with the state department of revenue.
- Collect and remit taxes. 15% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.
Official Sources
- STVR - Short-Term Vacation Rentals | City of Savannah
- Short-term Vacation Rental Regulations | City of Savannah
- Apply to become a certified Short-Term Vacation Rental | City of Savannah
- Short-Term Rental (STR) Public Portal | City of Savannah
- City of Savannah Code of Ordinances - Short-Term Vacation Rentals
- Local & State Taxes | City of Savannah