Columbus, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Columbus City regulates short-term rentals. Short-term rentals are defined as "short-term rental unit means an accommodation for transient guests where, in exchange for compensation, a residential dwelling unit, either the primary structure or any approved accessory dwelling, is provided for lodging for a period of time not to exceed 30 consecutive days. Such use may or may not include an on-site manager. For the purposes of this definition, a residential dwelling shall include all single-family and multifamily housing types and shall exclude group living or other lodging uses, as described in Chapter 3 and defined in Chapter 13, respectively, of the Unified Development Ordinance of the Columbus Consolidated Government. A short-term rental unit may not include a motor vehicle as defined in Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.” For more information, see Columbus City Article 9 Short-Term Rental Ordinance. 

Business License Requirements

The City of Columbus will require short-term rental businesses to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and Certificate of Occupancy. Both the short-term rental unit owner and a short-term rental agent will consent to a criminal background check which will be reviewed by the department before the application is accepted for processing.  Each residence or unit must have a separate permit. So for every house/unit you intend to use for Short Term Rental, you must have registration associated with it. So for one house/unit, you will pay the $40 Certificate of Occupancy fee plus a $20 background check. If you submit multiple houses at one time, you will only be charged for one background check. More information for Article 9 Section 4.9.4. - Application for a short-term rental permit can be found here and on the City of Columbus Short Term Vacation Rentals page.

Building and Housing Standards

The City of Columbus has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Please consult the City of Columbus Building Code and contact the Building Inspections & Code Enforcement Department for more information. 

Tourist and Local Taxes

Short-term rental unit owners are subject to state sales tax and city taxes, including but not limited to the hotel/motel tax, and are liable for payment thereof as established by state law and the city code. The city may seek to enforce payment of all applicable taxes to the extent provided by law, including injunctive relief.

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Columbus for more information.