Savannah, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

The City of Savannah defines a short-term vacation rental (STVR) as the rental of an entire dwelling unit (an apartment or house) for 30 days or less. The short-term rental of a room within a dwelling unit is regulated separately as a “bed and breakfast homestay.” STVRs are allowed in the Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar local historic areas, which are all part of the short-term vacation rental overlay district. They are only allowed in specific Business and Agriculture zoning classifications outside of this overlay (B-C, B-N, B-L, and A-1). New STVRs in residential areas (see figures 7.5-1 and 7.5-2) inside the Downtown and Victorian districts are subject to a cap of 20% of residential parcels within each ward, which is a traditional division of the city roughly equating to a square with its surrounding blocks. This cap does not apply to owner-occupied parcels. Occupants shall not exceed four (4) adults for dwelling units with no more than two bedrooms.  For dwelling units with three or more bedrooms, the number shall not exceed two (2) adults per bedroom. Please note that bedrooms are subject to verification of building code compliance by the Zoning Administrator. The property owner of a condominium, as defined by the Georgia Condominium Act, O.C.G.A. 44-3-70, et seq., must provide a copy of the adopted condominium declaration either explicitly permitting short-term vacation rentals or the leasing of dwelling units for less than 30 days, or an adopted condominium declaration that contains no prohibition on short-term vacation rentals or the leasing of dwelling units for less than 30 days. Helpful Links of the City of Savannah: STVR - Short-Term Vacation Rentals Short Term Vacation Rental OrdinanceShort-term Vacation Rental Regulations

Business License Requirements

To operate legally within the city, STVR managers must complete an application process and secure an STVR certificate. Click here for the STVR Application. The STVR Waiting List Form should be completed by any property owner who wishes to apply for a non-owner-occupied STVR certificate inwards that has surpassed the 20% cap. When a vacancy in the ward occurs, the City will notify the candidate on the waitlist. On a first-come, first-served basis, the waiting list is maintained.

Building and Housing Standards

The City of Savannah has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations for residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Please see the minimum safety guidelines on page 6.

Tourist and Local Taxes

Every 20th day of the next month, short-term vacation rentals must pay a 6% local hotel/motel tax to the City's Revenue Department. To make a payment, please follow the Hotel/Motel Tax Monthly Return instructions. In addition to the city hotel/motel tax, You must pay the Georgia Revenue Department 7% State Use and Sales Tax. To file State Sales Tax, you must first get a State Sales Tax Number from the Department of Revenue in your state. For additional information on the State Use and Sales Tax, don't hesitate to contact the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Other Rules

The city requires an exemplary rental agreement, which is a document defining the rules that an occupant must follow while staying at the STVR. A copy of the agreement must be included with the application. The STVR property must display this agreement. A sample agreement can be found here. All of-record property owners adjacent to a proposed short-term vacation rental shall be notified of the use prior to the issuance of an initial short-term vacation rental certificate. The notification shall be issued by the short-term vacation rental applicant, and proof of notification will be provided to the city. The notification to the property owners shall include

• Street address of the proposed short-term vacation rental;
• Location of any on-site parking for short-term vacation rental occupants;
• Maximum occupancy requirements;
• Copy of the short-term vacation exemplar rental agreement;
• Name of the property owner(s); and
• Name of rental agent and contact information.

 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 Savannah’s website for more information.