Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Atlanta, GA?

Yes. The City of Atlanta permits short-term rentals (STRs) under Ordinance 20-O-1656 (adopted March 15, 2021, effective March 1, 2022; enforcement began March 5, 2023). A short-term rental license (STRL) may be obtained by the property owner or a long-term tenant for their primary residence and, if they choose, one additional dwelling unit, without additional requirements, fees, permits, licenses, zoning, or related restrictions beyond the STRL itself. The City defines an STR as a residential dwelling unit provided for lodging in exchange for compensation for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days.

• City authority: Department of City Planning (designated by the Chief Operating Officer for STRL appeals).
• Core eligibility: Primary residence + up to one additional dwelling unit per owner/tenant.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Atlanta, GA

1. Verify Eligibility and Jurisdiction

• Confirm the property is within the City of Atlanta limits via the City’s Property Lookup.
• Confirm you meet eligibility: owner or long-term tenant.
• Understand that a single STRL can cover your primary residence and one additional dwelling unit; you must register your primary residence first.

2. Create an Online Account

• Create an account in the City’s Citizen Gateway (Accela) portal to submit STRL applications.

3. Prepare Required Documents

• Notarized affidavits (as applicable to ownership structure and unit type).
• Agent authorization (if designating an STR agent).
• Any additional documents specified in the STRL Required Document Summary.

4. Submit Application and Pay Fee

• Complete the Short-Term Rental License application via the online portal.
• Pay the $150 STRL fee at submission.

5. Await Processing and Compliance

• Processing time is typically up to 10 business days.
• Ensure your property meets City standards (e.g., smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contacts, adherence to noise and parking rules).

6. Designate a Local STR Agent (Recommended/Required as Applicable)

• The agent must be available to resolve issues, receive notices, monitor compliance, and list the STRL number on all online listings.

7. List and Operate

• Display your STRL number prominently on all listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).
• Maintain safe operations, post house rules, and monitor guest conduct.

8. Renew Annually

• STRLs are valid for 12 months from issuance.
• The City sends an email reminder 30 days before expiration; follow the renewal process and affidavit submission before your license expires.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits/Licenses

• Short-Term Rental License (STRL) required to operate.
• Annual renewal is mandatory.

Fees

• STRL fee: $150 (due at application submission).

Core Documents/ Affidavits (all notarized)

• STR Agent Authorization Affidavit
• STR Primary Residence Homeowners Affidavit
• STR Homeowners Affidavit – Long Term Tenant
• STR Homeowners Affidavit – Additional Dwelling Unit
• STR Entity Owners Affidavit – Primary Residence
• STR Homeowners Entity Ownership Affidavit – Additional Dwelling Unit
• STR Renewal Affidavit

Additional Requirements

• Agent duties (Section 20-1006(b)): be available to resolve issues, post emergency contact info, accept service of violation notices, monitor compliance, and list the STRL number on all online listings.
• Safety best practices: install/maintain smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguisher, clearly posted emergency information, and adhere to occupancy/noise/parking rules.

Process and how-to resources

• STRL Required Document Summary
• STRL Application How-to Guide
• Short-Term Rental Renewal How-to Guide

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Atlanta, GA

Legal Framework

• City of Atlanta Short-Term Rental Ordinance (20-O-1656) governs STRs.
• STR defined as lodging for compensation for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days.

Eligibility and Limits

• One STRL may cover a primary residence and one additional dwelling unit.
• Primary residence must be registered first.
• Owners can only have one primary residence for licensing/zoning purposes.
• The City references permit caps in certain areas; verify current availability via City resources when applying.

Operational Requirements

• License must be displayed on all advertisements/listings.
• Hosts must adhere to community standards for public safety and welfare.
• Local agent requirements: must be available 24/7 to respond to issues and monitor compliance.
• Safety and compliance: smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguisher, emergency contact posting, noise and parking compliance, maximum occupancy limits.
• Agent duties per Section 20-1006(b): resolve issues, display emergency contacts, accept service, monitor compliance, list STRL number online.

Taxes and Fees

• STRL fee: $150 per year.
• Guests are subject to applicable sales and lodging taxes (state, county, city). Operators should register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for state sales tax and with local tax authorities for city/county lodging taxes. Major platforms may collect and remit certain taxes in specific jurisdictions; operators remain responsible for compliance.

Complaints and Enforcement

• Complaints: submit to STR@atlantaga.gov or CodeBustersDCP@AtlantaGA.GOV; APD handles enforcement at units with an active STRL, and Zoning Enforcement acts on units without a valid STRL.
• Unlawful operation without an STRL will result in citations and a mandatory one-year waiting period before any new STRL application is accepted for that property.
• Appeals: STRL appeals are handled by the Department of City Planning; applicants have 30 days from the enforcement date (or 30 days from an adverse decision) to file an appeal.

Renewals

• STRLs are valid for 12 months and require annual renewal.
• Renewal reminders are sent 30 days before expiration; submit the renewal affidavit and fees before the expiration date.

Data and Transparency

• The City provides STRL GIS data for visibility into licensed STRs in the City.

Contact Information for the Local Authority in Charge of STRs

City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning (Short-Term Rental Program)

• Website: Atlanta Short-Term Rental Program
• Email: STR@atlantaga.gov
• Phone: 404-546-7990
• Mailing address:
  • Atlanta City Hall
  • 55 Trinity Ave SW
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm

Complaints (non-emergency)

• Email: STR@atlantaga.gov
• Email: CodeBustersDCP@AtlantaGA.GOV

ATL311 (General City Services)

• Phone: 311 (from within Atlanta) or 404-546-0311
• Email: atl311@atlantaga.gov
• Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:00 am – midnight

Source Links and Resources

• City of Atlanta Short-Term Rental Program homepage:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/ordinances-regulations/short-term-rental
• City of Atlanta Short-Term Rental Ordinance (20-O-1656):
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showdocument?id=53344&t=637732653252142114
• STRL Application Portal (Accela):
  • aca-prod.accela.com/ATLANTA_GA/Default.aspx
• Property Lookup (City of Atlanta):
  • coaplangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=f1ed5cf2d3d9475496e102e64325a9ce
• STRL Required Document Summary:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showdocument?id=55679&t=637897841310203253
• STRL Application How-to Guide:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showdocument?id=58452&t=638138685932617634
• Short-Term Rental Renewal How-to Guide:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/59049/638186404295970000
• Short-Term Rental Renewal Process:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/59045/638186400806870000
• Sample STR Rules:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/53997/637786360931000000
• STR Agent Duties:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/53999/637786229019100000
• STR Adjacent Property Notification Letter:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/54622/637825480455370000
• How to Obtain Deed Instructions:
  • www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/57077/638023332718800000
• Affidavits (notarized) – Primary Residence, Additional Dwelling, Entity Ownership, Renewal:
  • Primary Residence Homeowners Affidavit: www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/62179/638501115403770000
  • Additional Dwelling Unit Affidavit: www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/54614/637825469208200000
  • Entity Owners Affidavit (Primary): www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/54802/637841465995470000
  • Entity Ownership Affidavit (Additional Dwelling): www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/54612/637825468627730000
  • Long-Term Tenant Affidavit: www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/54610/637825467618170000
  • Agent Authorization Affidavit: www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/54608/637825467111570000
  • Renewal Affidavit: www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/58374/638131997339770000
• Tutorial videos:
  • How to apply for a STRL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGgerpqHsHM
  • Affidavit documents needed: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2LzRdoZM9Y
• STRL GIS Data (City of Atlanta):
  • coaplangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/ebf59d4330b84402b2dc854425bf015e
• ATL311 Knowledge Base (Short-Term Rental Program):
  • www.atl311.com/en-us/knowledgearticle/?code=KB0013809
• Airbnb Host Help – Atlanta, GA overview:
  • www.airbnb.com/help/article/853
• Municode – City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances (Short-Term Rental sections):
  • library.municode.com/ga/atlanta/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOORANDECO_PT20SHTERE
• Georgia Department of Revenue – Sales & Use Tax:
  • dor.georgia.gov/taxes/business-taxes/sales-use-tax

Note: If your property lies outside the City of Atlanta (e.g., in unincorporated Fulton County or neighboring municipalities), different local rules apply. In such cases, consult the relevant county or municipal authority for specific STR requirements.