Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Atlanta?

**Yes**, Atlanta requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental License. You need to apply for this license through the city and pay an annual fee of $150. Operating without a valid permit can result in fines and penalties. Make sure you apply. (55 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Atlanta?

**8% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Atlanta. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the City of Atlanta. Check if platforms like Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect this tax in the city. (52 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Atlanta?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Atlanta, subject to specific regulations. You need to obtain a license and adhere to rules, including the primary residence requirement, and a maximum of two properties. Always verify current zoning laws and HOA restrictions before you list your property. (53 words)

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Atlanta?

**Yes**, Atlanta requires that one of the two properties you rent out must be your primary residence. You need to prove residency when applying for the required Short-Term Rental License. This rule ensures that short-term rentals are not displacing long-term housing options in the city. (53 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Atlanta?

**Yes**, tenants can host on Airbnb in Atlanta, assuming they meet all other requirements. You need to obtain a Short-Term Rental License and comply with all regulations, including tax requirements. Make sure you have permission from your landlord before listing the property on any platform. (52 words)

Atlanta, GA Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

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100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The City of Atlanta requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license for a fee of $150. Regulations restrict hosts to a maximum of two properties, one of which must be their primary residence.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 74 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Standard permit fee: $150
•Limited to 2 properties per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Atlanta, you must live in the home you are renting for more than half of the year. You can also rent out one additional home that isn't your primary residence, but you cannot have more than two rental properties total in the city. You need to apply for a $150 license every year and post your license number on your Airbnb or VRBO listing. You are also responsible for making sure the city gets its 8% hotel tax, even if your platform collects it for you.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify you are within the City of Atlanta limits and not unincorporated Fulton County; rules differ significantly.
2.Primary residence requirement means you must live at the property 183 days per year.
3.Maximum of 2 properties per owner (one primary, one secondary).
4.License number must be visible in the first line of your online listing description.
5.Monthly tax returns (8% Hotel/Motel tax) are required even if the platform collects the money.
6.Basements or attics without proper egress windows/doors cannot be used as STR sleeping areas.
7.Failure to obtain a permit can result in a $500 minimum fine per violation.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Atlanta allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Multi-family dwelling, Condominium.
•Atlanta: Basements or attics without proper egress windows/doors cannot be used as STR sleeping areas.
•Atlanta limits hosts to a maximum of 2 STR properties per owner.

Requirements(15)

•Atlanta STR warning: Basements or attics without proper egress windows/doors cannot be used as STR sleeping areas.
•Atlanta STR warning: Failure to obtain a permit can result in a $500 minimum fine per violation.
•Atlanta: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(7)

•Atlanta STR permit - Step 4: Post License Number. Once approved, you must include the license number in the description of all online listings. Time: Immediate.
•Atlanta STR permit - Step 2: Complete Online Application. Register and apply via the Atlanta EnerGov portal. Required documents: Owner Authorization Form (if applicable), Affidavit of Compliance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 150.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Atlanta charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•GA has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.
•Atlanta: Monthly tax returns (8% Hotel/Motel tax) are required even if the platform collects the money.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Atlanta: Verify you are within the City of Atlanta limits and not unincorporated Fulton County; rules differ significantly.
•Atlanta limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Atlanta enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•Atlanta occupancy calculation: Limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Atlanta requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan with emergency exits must be posted.

Penalties(3)

•Atlanta enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1,000 fine. Third offense: Revocation of license. Daily fine: Up to $1,000 per day. Maximum fine: $1,000 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Atlanta: Failure to obtain a permit can result in a $500 minimum fine per violation.

Exemptions(2)

•Atlanta exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Atlanta: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Georgia

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Dahlonega require both a city business license and an annual STR license, and are strictly prohibited in R-1 residential zones.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Athens

Georgia

Strict

Athens-Clarke County strictly regulates short-term rentals by requiring primary residency in residential zones and limiting commercial rentals to non-residential districts.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Augusta

Georgia

Moderate

Augusta-Richmond County currently does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit, though hosts must obtain a general business license and pay hotel-motel taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Roswell

Georgia

Permissive

Roswell adopted a comprehensive short-term rental ordinance in June 2025 requiring business registration, annual fire inspections, and a local agent available 24/7.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Atlanta

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(15)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

Roswell

Atlanta

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Atlanta?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Atlanta?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Atlanta?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Atlanta?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Atlanta?

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

Roswell