Is Rental Arbitrage Legal in Savannah, GA?

Restricted

Capped in the historic districts and limited to overlay zones. Every short-term vacation rental in Savannah needs a city certificate. Non-owner-occupied rentals are allowed only in the STVR Overlay District and are capped at 20% of residential parcels per ward in the Downtown Historic District and Victorian Historic District. Owner-occupied rentals are exempt from the cap. Approximately 40 wards have reached capacity. Certificates are non-transferable.

Can a renter do rental arbitrage here? Only in limited areas. Renters can only operate in certain zones, or with a special approval. Confirm the exact property qualifies before you sign.

Researched by RentalArbitrage AdminReviewed by RentalArbitrage Admin

Requirements

  • Short-term vacation rental (STVR) certificate through the city's online registration portal: $400 application fee, $250 annual renewal
  • Proof of insurance stating the property is used as a short-term vacation rental
  • Notification of all adjacent property owners with street address, parking location, occupancy limits, rental agreement, owner name, and agent contact
  • Exemplar rental agreement posted at the property and included in all advertising
  • Certificate number and rental agreement in every print, digital and internet advertisement
  • A reachable local contact
  • Occupancy limits posted in the unit: 4 adults max for dwellings with 2 or fewer bedrooms, 2 adults per bedroom for 3+ bedrooms (bedroom count verified by Zoning Administrator)
  • Notify the city within 5 business days of any change in rental agent

Restrictions

  • Non-owner-occupied rentals allowed only in the STVR Overlay District and in B-C, B-N, B-L, and A-1 zones
  • New non-owner-occupied certificates are capped at 20% of residential parcels per ward in the Downtown Historic District and Victorian Historic District (effective September 29, 2017)
  • Approximately 40 wards have reached capacity and closed to new non-owner-occupied applications; waitlists apply in capped wards
  • Owner-occupied parcels are exempt from the cap and can renew without cap restrictions
  • Pre-existing certificates issued before September 28, 2017 may renew without cap restrictions
  • New title holders of pre-existing properties have 6 months to apply without cap denial
  • STVR certificates are non-transferable
  • Certificate number must appear in every advertisement

Taxes and Fees

  • Savannah hotel-motel tax: 8%
  • Georgia sales tax: 4%
  • Local sales tax in Chatham County: 3%
  • Georgia state hotel-motel fee: $5 per night (for stays 30 days or fewer)

Official permit or registration page

Next Step

Legal is one half of the decision. The other half is whether the deal earns enough to be worth the risk.

Run the numbers for Savannah, GA See the Savannah, GA market

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Non-Owner-Occupied Certificate in Downtown Savannah?
Only if the ward is under its 20% cap. Several wards in the Downtown and Victorian districts are at the cap, with a waitlist, so check the specific ward before signing a lease.
Where Are Non-Owner-Occupied Rentals Allowed?
Only in the STVR overlay district, which covers the Downtown, Victorian and Streetcar historic districts.
Do Owner-Occupied Rentals Count Toward the Cap?
No. Owner-occupied parcels are exempt from the 20% cap.
What Does a Certificate Cost?
$400 for a new application and $250 for each yearly renewal.