Savannah's squares, historic homes and festival calendar keep demand strong, but the city tightly manages short-term vacation rentals (STVRs), especially downtown. Before you buy, list or hire help, figure out whether your parcel is in the City of Savannah, unincorporated Chatham County or Tybee Island, because each has its own program.
As of 2026, operating an STVR inside city limits requires a city certificate, and STVRs are allowed only in designated overlay districts. The city says to check the first digit of your parcel ID: parcels starting with "2" are in the city, while "1" means unincorporated Chatham County. In the Historic and Victorian Districts, wards subject to the 20% cap are full for non-owner-occupied certificates, so new investor rentals there usually mean waiting for an opening. Owner-occupied certificates face fewer limits but require proof that the home is your primary residence. Certificates expire after one year, are not transferable, and a new owner must apply within six months of buying.
The city charges an 8% hotel-motel tax, effective September 1, 2023, due to the city's Revenue Department by the 20th of the following month. Sales tax is also due to the Georgia Department of Revenue, and Georgia charges a $5 per night state hotel-motel fee on lodging. Airbnb lists Georgia among the places where it collects and remits some taxes, but confirm which state and local pieces appear on your payout reports and file anything missing. Tybee Island and Chatham County administer their own permits and taxes.
We did not find a published Savannah price survey, so get at least two written quotes. Many downtown rentals are carriage houses, garden apartments or units within an owner-occupied historic home, which tend to be smaller jobs priced by the room or by the hour. Quotes rise for older homes with original heart pine floors and plaster, steep stairs, and the humidity that makes mildew checks a routine part of a good clean. Downtown parking and metered streets can also add time or cost.
Spring is Savannah's busiest season, roughly March through May, and the St. Patrick's Day celebration in March is one of the biggest weekends of the year. Fall is strong too, with SCAD and festival events. Summer is hot and humid with softer weekday demand, and January and February are quietest. Secure St. Patrick's Day cleaning coverage months in advance, since every host in town needs a crew that weekend.
It is difficult. As of 2026, wards under the 20% cap are full for non-owner-occupied certificates. Check the city's STVR map and ward status before buying.
No. Certificates are not transferable, but the city gives new owners six months after purchase to apply.
By the 20th of each month for the prior month's stays, paid to the City of Savannah Revenue Department, separate from state sales tax.
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