Atlanta short-term rental laws (2026)
Atlanta has enforced its short-term rental license since March 5, 2023. You can license two homes at most, and one of them has to be where you live.[1]
Every rule below links to the official source it comes from, verified September 14, 2026.
Is Airbnb legal in Atlanta?
Legal, with a city license
In your primary residence and one additional unit, with a city license you apply for every year.
3 official sources · verified September 14, 2026
Photo: Lance Asper on Unsplash
- PermitRequired · $150 application, every year
- Primary residenceRequired
- Number on listingRequired
- Night capNone published
Atlanta short-term rental license
An Atlanta short-term rental license starts with your primary residence and can add one more dwelling unit. Owners and long-term tenants can both apply, primary residence first. Being on site is not required. An agent must be reachable at all times, though. Every adjacent property gets a certified letter before you apply, and the license is renewed each year at $150 per application. A stay runs 30 consecutive days at most, and the year has no night cap. A violation costs $500, and three at one property block new licenses there for 12 months.[1]
Every Atlanta rule, sorted by what it asks
Filter by topic. Each line carries the number of its official source, listed at the bottom of the page.
You must
- Hold a City of Atlanta short-term rental license[1]
- Register your primary residence before any additional unit[2]
- Put the license number on each online listing[1]
- Submit a new application every year[1]
- Report a change of agent within ten business days[1]
- Name an agent reachable at all times, or act as your own[1]
- Write house rules on noise, two adults per bedroom and on-site parking[1]
- Acknowledge the city noise ordinance in your posted rules[1]
- Notify each adjacent property by certified mail that you plan to get a license[1]
- Post the license inside with the agent's name and emergency number[1]
- Comply with Atlanta's Zoning Ordinance, Housing Code and Building Code[1]
You must not
Not required
What a new permit costs
Fee set by Part 20 of the Atlanta Code, per application
$150each yearly application
- Application$150
The $150 fee is non-refundable.[1]
How to apply in Atlanta
Official name: Short-term rental license
- 1
Confirm the property is your primary residence, or your one additional unit once the primary residence is registered.[2]
- 2
Write the house rules you will post, covering noise, two adults per bedroom and parking.[1]
- 3
Send certified mail to each adjacent property with the rental address and your agent's contact information.[1]
- 4
Submit your application online, the only way the city accepts it.[2]
- 5
After approval, post a copy of the license inside the unit with the agent's contact, license number, maximum occupancy and parking limit.[1]
Five jurisdictions, same questions
The Atlanta column comes from the official sources on this page. The other columns show the headline rule from each WonderGuest page. Open a page for the full detail.
| Question | Atlanta | Glynn County | Sky Valley | Tybee Island | Blue Ridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required$150 application, every year | Required$150 new, $100 each renewal | Required$300 | Required$200 | Required$25 |
| Primary residence | Required | Not required | Not published | Varies | Not published |
| Night cap | None published | None in Chapter 2-31 | Chapter 41 sets no yearly night limit | No night limit in Section 4-051 | None in the city ordinance |
| Number on listing | Required | Required | Not published | Required | Not published |
| Occupancy tax | 8% hotel-motel tax | 7% county accommodation excise tax | 16% | 14% | 15% |
| Glynn County short-term rental rules | Sky Valley short-term rental rules | Tybee Island short-term rental rules | Blue Ridge short-term rental rules |
Coming up
What's changing
No change with an effective date appears in the official sources on this page as of September 14, 2026.
FAQ
Atlanta short-term rental questions
What are the rules for short-term rentals in Atlanta?
Can I rent out an investment property in Atlanta?
Do I have to tell my neighbors before I apply in Atlanta?
What happens if my guests cause violations in Atlanta?
Sources
- Atlanta Code of Ordinances, part 20, short-term rentals, City of Atlanta, read on September 14, 2026
- City of Atlanta short-term rental program, City of Atlanta ATL311, read on September 14, 2026
- Occupancy tax collection and remittance in Georgia, Airbnb Help Center, read on September 14, 2026
This page is not legal advice. It summarizes the official sources listed on this page as they read on September 14, 2026. Rules can change after that date, so check with the issuing office before you apply or publish a listing.
Before you list
Free tools for new hosts
Short-term rental agreement generator
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Airbnb house rules
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