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Everything operators need to understand DeKalb County's short-term rental ordinance: licensing fees, restrictions, and ongoing obligations, in one place.
Register My PropertyDekalb County adopted its Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance on July 24, 2025, following an extended period of community input and research. After a 180-day implementation window, the program went into full effect on May 20, 2026.
Any owner renting a room, dwelling, guestroom, or other overnight accomodation for 30 consecutive days or less, though Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or any similar platform, must hold a valid STR license issues by the DeKalb County Business License Division before advertising or accepting bookings.
The program is administered in partnership with Rentalscape, a third-party compliance service that identifies active listings, monitors compliance, facilitates excise tax remittance across the county.
All operators must complete the application through the county's online portal.
Do not use the county's ePermitting system — STR applications are handled
exclusively through the Deckard portal.
Short-term rentals are only permitted in residential districts within unincorporated DeKalb County. Properties in locally designated historic
districts are not eligible. Check your zoning classification before applying.
If your property is governed by an HOA, lease agreement, or condominium association, confirm that STR activity is permitted under those private covenants before proceeding.
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of property ownership (such as a warranty deed or settlement statement), a site plan showing the number and location of on-site parking spaces, and contact information for yourself and any designated 24-hour STR agent.
Visit portal.deckard.com/ga-dekalb-str-portal to complete and submit your application. The annual license fee is $175, plus a small processing fee charged at checkout. Fees are non-refundable once the application is processed.
Complete applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 business days. You will receive status notifications through the online portal via automated response. Do not advertise or accept bookings until your license is confirmed.
Your license must be renewed each year on the anniversary of your original approval. The county will send renewal reminders before your expiration date. The renewal fee is $175. Licenses are non-transferable — they cannot be assigned to another person or used at a different property.
Holding a license comes with ongoing obligations. Failure to comply with any of the
following may result in citation, suspension, or revocation of your STR license.
Owners may designate an STR agent to manage the property on their behalf. The agent must provide 24-hour contact information and be available to respond to complaints or emergencies. Any change in designated agent information must be reported to the county within five business days.
All STRs must comply with applicable nuisance and noise regulations under Chapter 16 of the DeKalb County Code. Owners and agents are responsible for ensuring guests do not disrupt the neighborhood or interfere with neighbors' quiet enjoyment.
An 8% excise tax applies to all short-term rental revenue, as authorized by state law and codified in Chapter 24 of the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances. Tax payments are remitted through your Rentalscape customer portal.
STR properties may not be advertised, marketed, or used as venues for parties, receptions, banquets, weddings, concerts, reunions, or similar events. This prohibition applies to both the owner and any designated agent.
Applicants must identify the number and location of on-site parking spaces at the time of application. Guests must be directed to use designated parking.
The STR license is issued for a specific owner and property. It may not be transferred to another owner, assigned to another party, or used at any other location.
Occupancy is subject to applicable county codes and life safety regulations. Specific caps may apply depending on the size and configuration of the unit.
For questions specific to your application or the ordinance, contact the relevant division directly. General licensing inquiries should be directed to the Business License Department.
Disclaimer
Lodge Compliance is not a licensed tax, legal, or financial advisor. Nothing in this guide should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact DeKalb County’s Business License Division or your own tax/legal counsel for guidance regarding your personal circumstances. Ordinance references: DeKalb County Ordinance TA-24-1246762; DeKalb County Code Chapters 16 and 24; O.C.G.A. § 48-13-59 and § 48-13-60.
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