| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Existing licenses and renewals continue; no new licenses issued during moratorium |
| Tax Rate | Georgia state sales tax (4%) + local hotel/motel tax (8%) = ~12% total |
| Night / Day Cap | STVR defined as stays of 30 days or less |
| Permit Fee | ~$150/year STVR permit (reported for Chatham County) |
| Primary Residence Required | Unknown — varies by district |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rentals in Chatham County, Georgia are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Existing licenses and renewals continue; no new licenses issued during moratorium. The associated permit fees are ~$150/year STVR permit (reported for Chatham County).
Short-term rental operators in Chatham County should be aware of these tax obligations: Georgia state sales tax (4%) + local hotel/motel tax (8%) = ~12% total. Yes — Georgia state sales tax (4%) and local hotel/motel excise tax.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Chatham County include: Primary residence requirement: Unknown — varies by district. Rental day cap: STVR defined as stays of 30 days or less. Occupancy limit: Per unit.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Chatham County: Applies only to unincorporated Chatham County; incorporated municipalities not affected. Insurance: Yes — proof of STVR-specific insurance.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Chatham County: License number must appear on all listings.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Chatham County but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on new short-term vacation rental licenses in unincorporated Chatham County. The moratorium does not affect existing license r
Yes. Chatham County requires the following for short-term rental operation: Existing licenses and renewals continue; no new licenses issued during moratorium.
Short-term rental hosts in Chatham County are subject to the following tax obligations: Georgia state sales tax (4%) + local hotel/motel tax (8%) = ~12% total.
1. Moratorium applies only to unincorporated Chatham County — not to incorporated municipalities. 2. Existing license renewals and pre-moratorium applications are not affected. 3. Moratorium expires November 7 2026 unless extended or shortened. 4. County aims to develop comprehensive long-term STVR rules during the moratorium period.
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