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 |
| 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.
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