Savannah Short-Term Rental Guide
Savannah, Georgia · United States
Oak-canopied squares and Southern charm make Savannah a beloved market — with tight permit caps in the Historic District. Here's how to host it.
Savannah's oak-lined squares, historic architecture, and walkable charm make it a bucket-list Southern destination. The city regulates short-term rentals with permits and a cap on the share of homes per ward in the Landmark Historic District, so eligibility is location-specific. This guide covers the host rules and the recommendations that make guests fall in love with the city.
For hosts: the rules
Savannah requires a short-term vacation rental certificate and caps the percentage of STRs per ward in the Historic District, so new permits in the most desirable areas can be unavailable.
- Obtain a short-term vacation rental certificate and business tax certificate.
- The Landmark Historic District caps STRs at a set share of homes per ward — permits may be waitlisted where the cap is met.
- Collect and remit state and local hotel/motel and sales taxes.
- Maintain a local responsible-party contact and follow occupancy limits.
Always verify locally: Historic District ward caps mean a permit isn't guaranteed even for eligible homes. Confirm permit availability for your exact ward before purchasing or listing. This is general information, not legal advice.
For hosts: demand & seasonality
Steady tourism with spring as the clear peak (mild weather, St. Patrick's Day) and strong fall shoulder demand.
Peak: March–May, especially St. Patrick's Day
Demand-spiking events
Where to stay: neighborhoods
Historic District
Squares, cobblestones, walk everywhere
Best for: First-timers, couples, walkability
Starland District
Murals, coffee, indie shops
Best for: Creatives, longer stays
Ardsley Park
Leafy, residential, near Forsyth
Best for: Families, quieter stays
Tybee Island (nearby)
Beach town 20 minutes away
Best for: Beach lovers, families
For guests: local recommendations
Do this once
- Stroll the 22 historic squares
- Sunset at Forsyth Park fountain
- A day trip to Tybee Island beach
Southern food
- Shrimp and grits
- A classic Southern brunch
- River Street for the view
History & charm
- A ghost or history walking tour
- Bonaventure Cemetery
- Local art in the Starland District
Questions guests always ask
Can I walk everywhere from here?
In the Historic District, yes — the squares and main sights are compact and beautiful on foot. For Tybee Island beach, you'll want a car or rideshare (about 20 minutes).
Can you really walk around with a drink?
In the Historic District, open containers (up to 16 oz, plastic cup) are permitted in the designated downtown area — a Savannah tradition. Check the current boundaries.
Is Tybee Island worth a day trip?
Yes — it's an easy ~20-minute drive to a laid-back beach with a lighthouse and casual seafood. Great for a half or full day.
Answer every one of these Savannah questions for guests — automatically, 24/7, in any language.
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