Georgia Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Georgia imposes a 5% state hotel-motel excise tax on short-term rentals in addition to the 4% state sales tax and local taxes. Atlanta requires STR registration. Savannah has strict STR regulations. Blue Ridge, Tybee Island, and the Golden Isles are popular STR markets.
Varies by city; Atlanta requires registration
STR license
State sales tax + 5% hotel/motel excise tax + loca
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
Georgia Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Georgia requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for GA short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Georgia Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Georgia can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Varies by city; Atlanta requires registration — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Georgia Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Georgia vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with GA requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Georgia property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Georgia occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Georgia House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Georgia under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Georgia Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Georgia imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for GA vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | State sales tax + 5% hotel/motel excise tax + local |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in GA |
Sample Georgia Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Georgia-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF GEORGIA
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Georgia Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Georgia Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Georgia Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Georgia vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Georgia Resources
Use these official resources for Georgia short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
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