With all the cultural attractions and sporting events Atlanta hosts each year, the city is a hot market for those looking to host a short-term rental as well as those looking to book their stay. There are more than 10,000 short-term rentals listed in Atlanta, including on Airbnb and Vrbo, according to Key Data.
Whether you’re looking to post your condo for music festival attendees or rent a spare bedroom to an HBCU student, there are a few things you should know before booking your next short-term rental in Atlanta.
What should I know before I book a short-term rental in Atlanta?
Three years ago, the city of Atlanta instituted a new licensing requirement for short-term rentals in the city. The legislation, first introduced by District 12 Council Member Antonio Lewis in March 2021, was designed to create accountability for property owners and travelers. The new regulations went into effect in 2022.
- To make sure the listing you want to book is licensed by the city, ask the owner for proof.
- Be aware of any rules around number of guests permitted on the property to avoid surprise fees or booking cancellations during your trip.
- Ask the property owner if there are any rules around noise or if the building has quiet hours, which is a designated period where tenants are expected to keep noise levels to a minimum.
- Abide by all the owner’s stated rules in their posting as well as city laws to avoid incurring additional fees, complaints or removal from the property.
- If you have a concern about your short-term rental that is not resolved by the owner in a timely manner notify the booking platform.
Reach out to STR@atlantaga.gov or CodeBustersDCP@atlantaga.gov for serious complaints.
Why is Atlanta a popular city for short-term rentals?
Since 2010, Airbnb hosts in Atlanta have earned a total of $1.2 billion. Atlanta is a convention and tourist city, so short-term rentals give residents a chance to cash in.
Add major events coming to town, like the upcoming MLB All-Star Game and the 2026 World Cup, and there are significant financial opportunities for current and potential owners.
When Atlanta hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019, short-term rental owners reportedly stood to collectively make more than $3 million.
Why are local leaders concerned about short-term rentals?
Public safety is a major concern for Atlanta residents. Short-term rental properties in the city and metro area have raised serious safety concerns. Between violent interactions at Airbnb rentals, and the rise of “party houses,” some argue the short-term rental industry does more harm than good.
“The ordinance and regulation are necessary to provide quality control in the ever-growing short-term rental industry,” said Greg Pace, the city’s Office of Buildings director, in a statement. “It is a way to ensure homeowners or long-term tenants a way to legally operate a short-term rental unit and earn additional income, while providing additional ways for people to visit our city.”
Atlanta lawmakers are currently considering new restrictions to address community concerns about large parties that could limit rentals in apartment buildings. According to Fox 5, they also want to cap the number of single and two-family vacation homes can operate within a certain distance of one another.
If property owners violate any city laws they will incur a $300 fee per incident.
As an owner, what should I know about the current laws?
First, to be a short-term rental owner in Atlanta, you must be a resident of the city. Right now, the city caps short-term rental ownership at two properties per resident. One of the properties has to be the owner’s primary residence.
In addition to being an Atlanta resident, there’s a $150 annual fee for the license, plus an 8% tax rental fee for each property. The city has created a guidebook to help potential and current renters through the process.
The City of Atlanta short-term rental license (STRL) must be featured on all advertisements for your rental property.
For additional information on Atlanta’s short-term rentals policies, contact STR@atlantaga.gov.
Who can get a short-term rental license and what are the current requirements?
Those eligible to obtain a City of Atlanta Short-Term Rental License include property owners, authorized short-term rental agents, and long-term tenants.
Currently, residents can only seek one license for a maximum of two separate properties, the primary residence and one additional dwelling unit, without having to address additional requirements and fees or to having to seek permits, licenses, zoning, or other related restrictions. Licenses are not transferable.
You will need to present documentation of proof for the property, like the deed, and additional documents such as a government ID and a short-term rental Homeowner’s Affidavit form.
If applying for a license as a short-term rental on behalf of the primary owner, a short-term rental agent affidavit and short-term rental agent affidavit authorization will also be required. All affidavits, both homeowner or agent, must be notarized.
It can take up to 10 business days to obtain the license. You can check out videos on obtaining a license and obtaining affidavit documents on the city’s YouTube channel.
You can also use the website to submit complaints and find out how many permitted rentals are in each district.
I don’t live in Atlanta, but my potential property is inside city limits. Can I still operate an Airbnb?
Under its current version, the ordinance does not allow residents who live outside the city of Atlanta to operate properties inside city limits.
To operate an Airbnb in the city of Atlanta, one of your rental properties must be your primary residence. You will need to bring a utility bill, such as gas, water, or electricity, to establish proof of your residence dating back six months prior to the date of application.
You can check to see if your property qualifies by heading to the city’s online Property Locator tool here.
What if I don’t want to make my primary residence a short-term rental?
According to the current ordinance, an applicant can get a license for their primary residence and, if they choose, the applicant may also include one additional dwelling unit on that license.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to rent your primary residence. The ordinance just requires applicants to get a license for their primary residence first.
It is your choice whether to rent out your primary residence, additional dwelling unit, or both units at any given time.
I finished my application and received my license. What else do I need to do to begin renting my property?
The ordinance also requires you to notify the adjacent properties that you will be operating a short-term rental. You only have to notify the properties to the direct left and right of your own via certified USPS mail.
Notifying your neighbors of the property can also help you avoid hefty fines associated with noise disturbances or short-term rental violations.
The city has a notification letter you can print out and sign here.
This story has been updated.
