Short-Term Rentals: DeKalb County

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Short-Term Rentals in Unincorporated DeKalb County

All property owners planning to operate a short-term rental in unincorporated DeKalb County must apply for a STR license before advertising or listing the property on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, or similar sites. This requirement is established by local law.

LINK TO APPLY FOR A LICENSE


How to Operate a Compliant Short-Term Rental

DeKalb County’s short-term rental program is designed to support responsible home-sharing while protecting the quality of life in residential communities.

A short-term rental is the rental of any room, lodging, or overnight accommodation for 30 consecutive days or less. This includes vacation homes, residential dwellings, guestrooms, or other overnight lodging.

Property owners must obtain a STR license before operating and must renew the license annually.

STR operators/owners have 30 days to register their property. Please visit the public portal https://str-public-portal.deckard.com/ga-dekalb to view all active licensed short-term rentals.

About the Short-Term Rental Program

Short-term rental regulations in unincorporated DeKalb County went into effect on May 20, 2026, following research and community input. The program is administered by the DeKalb County Business License Division.

Unincorporated DeKalb County has contracted with Rentalscape to assist with identifying short-term rentals, supporting compliance, and ensuring applicable taxes are remitted.

Complaint Hotline

To report noise, parking, trash, disruptive activity, or a suspected illegal short-term rental, please contact the STR Complaint Hotline. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

24/7 Hotline Number : 770-727-1052

Email: strcomplaints@dekalbcountyga.gov

Questions?

Registration: str@dekalbcountyga.gov

Business License Department: blicense@dekalbcountyga.gov

Code Compliance Administration: codeenforce@dekalbcountyga.gov


Frequently Asked Questions

Click the following category headings to view frequently asked questions and responses.

> General Information
  1. What is considered a Short Term Rental (STR)? A Short-Term Rental (STR) is the rental of any room, lodging, or overnight accommodation for a period not exceeding thirty consecutive days.
  2. When does the STR ordinance become effective? The STR becomes effective on May 20, 2026.
  3. Where can I review the adopted ordinance and additional information? Additional information regarding the STR ordinance may be found on the County’s Engage DeKalb webpage and adopted ordinance documents.


> Application & Registration
  1. How do I apply for a Short Term Rental (STR) license? Please visit the following webpage to submit your online application: DeKalb County, GA | XCP Portal
  2. What is the turnaround time for processing applications? Applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 business days once a complete application has been submitted.
  3. What information is needed to submit an application? Applicants must provide the following:
    • A valid government issued ID
    • Proof of ownership (recorded property deed, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy or mortgage statement)
    • A site plan or drawing showing the number and location of onsite parking spaces
    • Contact information for the owner and/or 24-hour STR agent
  4. What is the application fee? The annual STR application fee is $175 plus a small processing fee.
  5. How will I know if my application has been approved? Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application through the online portal via an automated response.
  6. When do I have to renew my STR license and will I receive a reminder? STR licenses must be renewed annually on the anniversary date of the initial application approval. The annual renewal fee is $175. Yes. Reminders will be sent prior to the expiration date.
  7. Do I need a business license for my STR? No. At this time, a separate business license is not required. However, a valid STR license is required prior to operating a short term rental.
  8. Is my STR license transferable to another owner or property? No. STR licenses are non transferable and may only be used by the approved owner/agent for the approved property location.
  9. If I no longer want to operate a STR, am I eligible for a refund? At this time, refunds will not be issued for processed applications.
  10. Are STR application fees refundable if my application is denied? No. Application fees are non-refundable once the application has been processed.


> Eligibility & Location Restrictions
    1. Are Short Term Rentals allowed in all areas of unincorporated DeKalb County? No. STRs must comply with all applicable zoning and ordinance requirements and only permitted in residential districts. Certain properties, including those located within locally designated historic districts, are not eligible for STR approval.
    2. Are STRs permitted in historic districts? No. STR permits will not be approved for dwelling units located within locally designated historic districts of DeKalb County.
    3. Can apartments, townhomes, or condominiums operate as STRs? Applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with any private covenants, HOA requirements, lease agreements, condominium regulations, or other restrictions that may prohibit STR activity.
> Operational Requirements
  1. Is there an occupancy limit for STRs? Occupancy and life safety requirements may be subject to applicable County codes and regulations.
  2. Can someone else manage my STR on my behalf? Yes. Owners may designate a short term rental agent. The agent must provide 24 hour contact information and be available to respond to complaints or emergencies. Owners are responsible for notifying the County within five business days of any changes to the designated agent information.
  3. Can I use my STR for parties, weddings, or events? No. STR owners and agents are prohibited from advertising, marketing, or promoting STR properties for parties, receptions, banquets, weddings, concerts, reunions, or similar events.
  4. Are STRs subject to nuisance and noise regulations? Yes. All STRs must comply with applicable nuisance and noise regulations pursuant to Chapter 16 of the DeKalb County Code.
  5. Is there a tax associated with operating a STR and how do I remit payment? Yes. All STRs are subject to an 8% excise tax pursuant to Chapter 24 of the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances. Excise tax payments may be remitted through your online Rentalscape customer portal.


> Compliance & Enforcement
  1. How do I report a violation, complaint, or unlicensed STR? For complaints or to report an unlicensed STR, please STRcomplaints@dekalbcountyga.gov. For emergencies, please call 911 immediately.
  2. What happens if I operate a STR without a license? Operating a STR without the required license may result in enforcement actions, penalties, citations, suspension, revocation, or other legal remedies authorized by County ordinance.
  3. Can my STR license be suspended or revoked? Yes. Violations of County ordinances or STR regulations may result in enforcement actions, including suspension or revocation of an STR license.
> Account & Customer Support
  1. If I have general questions, who do I contact? Please send general inquiries to the Business License division at STR@dekalbcountyga.gov
  2. How can I verify whether a property has received an STR license? Please visit the following webpage to search licensed STR properties: https://str-public-portal.deckard.com/ga-dekalb.

Short-Term Rentals in Unincorporated DeKalb County

All property owners planning to operate a short-term rental in unincorporated DeKalb County must apply for a STR license before advertising or listing the property on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, or similar sites. This requirement is established by local law.

LINK TO APPLY FOR A LICENSE


How to Operate a Compliant Short-Term Rental

DeKalb County’s short-term rental program is designed to support responsible home-sharing while protecting the quality of life in residential communities.

A short-term rental is the rental of any room, lodging, or overnight accommodation for 30 consecutive days or less. This includes vacation homes, residential dwellings, guestrooms, or other overnight lodging.

Property owners must obtain a STR license before operating and must renew the license annually.

STR operators/owners have 30 days to register their property. Please visit the public portal https://str-public-portal.deckard.com/ga-dekalb to view all active licensed short-term rentals.

About the Short-Term Rental Program

Short-term rental regulations in unincorporated DeKalb County went into effect on May 20, 2026, following research and community input. The program is administered by the DeKalb County Business License Division.

Unincorporated DeKalb County has contracted with Rentalscape to assist with identifying short-term rentals, supporting compliance, and ensuring applicable taxes are remitted.

Complaint Hotline

To report noise, parking, trash, disruptive activity, or a suspected illegal short-term rental, please contact the STR Complaint Hotline. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

24/7 Hotline Number : 770-727-1052

Email: strcomplaints@dekalbcountyga.gov

Questions?

Registration: str@dekalbcountyga.gov

Business License Department: blicense@dekalbcountyga.gov

Code Compliance Administration: codeenforce@dekalbcountyga.gov


Frequently Asked Questions

Click the following category headings to view frequently asked questions and responses.

> General Information
  1. What is considered a Short Term Rental (STR)? A Short-Term Rental (STR) is the rental of any room, lodging, or overnight accommodation for a period not exceeding thirty consecutive days.
  2. When does the STR ordinance become effective? The STR becomes effective on May 20, 2026.
  3. Where can I review the adopted ordinance and additional information? Additional information regarding the STR ordinance may be found on the County’s Engage DeKalb webpage and adopted ordinance documents.


> Application & Registration
  1. How do I apply for a Short Term Rental (STR) license? Please visit the following webpage to submit your online application: DeKalb County, GA | XCP Portal
  2. What is the turnaround time for processing applications? Applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 business days once a complete application has been submitted.
  3. What information is needed to submit an application? Applicants must provide the following:
    • A valid government issued ID
    • Proof of ownership (recorded property deed, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy or mortgage statement)
    • A site plan or drawing showing the number and location of onsite parking spaces
    • Contact information for the owner and/or 24-hour STR agent
  4. What is the application fee? The annual STR application fee is $175 plus a small processing fee.
  5. How will I know if my application has been approved? Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application through the online portal via an automated response.
  6. When do I have to renew my STR license and will I receive a reminder? STR licenses must be renewed annually on the anniversary date of the initial application approval. The annual renewal fee is $175. Yes. Reminders will be sent prior to the expiration date.
  7. Do I need a business license for my STR? No. At this time, a separate business license is not required. However, a valid STR license is required prior to operating a short term rental.
  8. Is my STR license transferable to another owner or property? No. STR licenses are non transferable and may only be used by the approved owner/agent for the approved property location.
  9. If I no longer want to operate a STR, am I eligible for a refund? At this time, refunds will not be issued for processed applications.
  10. Are STR application fees refundable if my application is denied? No. Application fees are non-refundable once the application has been processed.


> Eligibility & Location Restrictions
    1. Are Short Term Rentals allowed in all areas of unincorporated DeKalb County? No. STRs must comply with all applicable zoning and ordinance requirements and only permitted in residential districts. Certain properties, including those located within locally designated historic districts, are not eligible for STR approval.
    2. Are STRs permitted in historic districts? No. STR permits will not be approved for dwelling units located within locally designated historic districts of DeKalb County.
    3. Can apartments, townhomes, or condominiums operate as STRs? Applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with any private covenants, HOA requirements, lease agreements, condominium regulations, or other restrictions that may prohibit STR activity.
> Operational Requirements
  1. Is there an occupancy limit for STRs? Occupancy and life safety requirements may be subject to applicable County codes and regulations.
  2. Can someone else manage my STR on my behalf? Yes. Owners may designate a short term rental agent. The agent must provide 24 hour contact information and be available to respond to complaints or emergencies. Owners are responsible for notifying the County within five business days of any changes to the designated agent information.
  3. Can I use my STR for parties, weddings, or events? No. STR owners and agents are prohibited from advertising, marketing, or promoting STR properties for parties, receptions, banquets, weddings, concerts, reunions, or similar events.
  4. Are STRs subject to nuisance and noise regulations? Yes. All STRs must comply with applicable nuisance and noise regulations pursuant to Chapter 16 of the DeKalb County Code.
  5. Is there a tax associated with operating a STR and how do I remit payment? Yes. All STRs are subject to an 8% excise tax pursuant to Chapter 24 of the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances. Excise tax payments may be remitted through your online Rentalscape customer portal.


> Compliance & Enforcement
  1. How do I report a violation, complaint, or unlicensed STR? For complaints or to report an unlicensed STR, please STRcomplaints@dekalbcountyga.gov. For emergencies, please call 911 immediately.
  2. What happens if I operate a STR without a license? Operating a STR without the required license may result in enforcement actions, penalties, citations, suspension, revocation, or other legal remedies authorized by County ordinance.
  3. Can my STR license be suspended or revoked? Yes. Violations of County ordinances or STR regulations may result in enforcement actions, including suspension or revocation of an STR license.
> Account & Customer Support
  1. If I have general questions, who do I contact? Please send general inquiries to the Business License division at STR@dekalbcountyga.gov
  2. How can I verify whether a property has received an STR license? Please visit the following webpage to search licensed STR properties: https://str-public-portal.deckard.com/ga-dekalb.
Page last updated: 04 Jun 2026, 01:52 PM