Short-Term Rentals: DeKalb County

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Short-Term Rentals in Unincorporated DeKalb County

All citizens planning to operate their property as a short-term rental must apply for a STR license before advertising on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO and others. This is required by local law.


How to Run a Compliant Short-Term Rental

Our short-term rental program is designed to balance the benefits of home-sharing while protecting the quality of life for residents throughout unincorporated DeKalb County.

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

Property owners of short-term rentals must apply for a license and then must renew the license annually.

About the Short-Term Rental Program

Short-term regulations in unincorporated DeKalb County go into effect on May 20, 2026, after a process informed by research and community input. The short-term rental program is run by the DeKalb County Business License Department. Learn more about the short-term rental ordinance listed here (TA-24-1246762).

Unincorporated DeKalb County contracted with Rentalscape, a service that helps us identify short-term rentals and make sure owners are following the rules and paying appropriate taxes.

Complaint Hotline

Want to report noise, parking, trash, or other problems with a short-term rental? Think there’s an illegal rental in your neighborhood? We’re here to help. The Complaint Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit { } or send an email to 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 (warranty deed, settlement statement, etc.)
    • 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 citizens planning to operate their property as a short-term rental must apply for a STR license before advertising on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO and others. This is required by local law.


How to Run a Compliant Short-Term Rental

Our short-term rental program is designed to balance the benefits of home-sharing while protecting the quality of life for residents throughout unincorporated DeKalb County.

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

Property owners of short-term rentals must apply for a license and then must renew the license annually.

About the Short-Term Rental Program

Short-term regulations in unincorporated DeKalb County go into effect on May 20, 2026, after a process informed by research and community input. The short-term rental program is run by the DeKalb County Business License Department. Learn more about the short-term rental ordinance listed here (TA-24-1246762).

Unincorporated DeKalb County contracted with Rentalscape, a service that helps us identify short-term rentals and make sure owners are following the rules and paying appropriate taxes.

Complaint Hotline

Want to report noise, parking, trash, or other problems with a short-term rental? Think there’s an illegal rental in your neighborhood? We’re here to help. The Complaint Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit { } or send an email to 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 (warranty deed, settlement statement, etc.)
    • 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: 20 May 2026, 07:44 AM