Short-Term Rental Regulations — Georgia
Hosts in Atlanta must obtain a permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The permit fee is $150, renewable Annual. Atlanta restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties only, meaning you must live in the home you are renting out. There is no annual day cap on rentals in Atlanta. An occupancy tax of 8.9% applies to all short-term rental income. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically.
Day Limit Notes
Residents can list their primary residence and one additional property they own.
⚠ Tax Notes
8.9% Hotel-Motel Tax plus a $5 per night state hotel-motel fee.
⚠ Prohibited Zones
Subject to local zoning verification; heavily restricted for non-residents.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Atlanta?
Yes. Atlanta requires a permit to operate a short-term rental. The permit fee is $150 and must be renewed Annual. You must obtain this permit before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms.
What is the occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Atlanta?
Short-term rentals in Atlanta are subject to a 8.9% occupancy tax. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts — you do not need to handle it separately. 8.9% Hotel-Motel Tax plus a $5 per night state hotel-motel fee.
Can I rent out a property I don't live in as an Airbnb in Atlanta?
No. Atlanta restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties. You must live in the home as your primary residence to list it as a short-term rental. Investment properties or second homes cannot be listed as STRs.
How many days per year can I rent my property in Atlanta?
Atlanta does not impose an annual day cap on short-term rentals. You can rent your property for as many days as you choose, subject to other local regulations. Residents can list their primary residence and one additional property they own.
Does Airbnb collect occupancy taxes in Atlanta?
Yes. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit the 8.9% occupancy tax in Atlanta on behalf of hosts. You do not need to separately collect or remit this tax — it is handled at the platform level.
Are there any prohibited zones for short-term rentals in Atlanta?
Yes. Atlanta prohibits short-term rentals in certain areas: Subject to local zoning verification; heavily restricted for non-residents.. Always verify your property's zoning status with the local planning department before listing.
Do I need to register my short-term rental in Atlanta?
Yes. Atlanta requires short-term rental hosts to register their property with the city. This is separate from any permit requirement and typically involves providing property information and contact details to the local authority.
Official Source
Atlanta City Government
Last verified: 2026-03-23 · Always confirm with your local government before listing.