Roswell's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Roswell, Georgia, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Permit Requirements

Roswell adopted Ordinance 2024-05-09 (the city's first STR ordinance) effective June 9, 2025, with full enforcement starting January 31, 2026. Operators must register the unit, pay a $35 non-refundable registration fee, carry general commercial liability insurance, and obtain a city business license.

Key details: Authority: Roswell Ordinance 2024-05-09. Effective Date: June 9, 2025. Enforcement Begins: January 31, 2026. Registration Fee: $35 (non-refundable). Insurance: General Commercial Liability required.

Operating an unregistered STR after the January 31, 2026 enforcement date is a code violation prosecuted in Municipal Court with fines up to $1,000 per day and up to six months in jail. Repeat violations can trigger revocation of the STR registration and business license.

Compared to other cities, Roswell takes a harder line on permit requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Occupancy Limits

Roswell's STR ordinance caps overnight guest counts based on bedroom count, prohibits use of an STR for commercial events (parties, weddings, photo shoots), and requires a 24/7 local contact who can respond to complaints within a defined response window.

Key details: Occupancy: Bedroom-based cap. Local Contact: 24/7 required. Commercial Events: Prohibited at STRs. Code: Roswell Ord. 2024-05-09.

Exceeding occupancy or hosting prohibited events is grounds for citation and ultimately revocation of the STR registration. Roswell Municipal Court fines run up to $1,000 per day; the local-contact failure-to-respond clause is a separate violation.

Insurance Requirements

Every Roswell STR operator must carry General Commercial Liability insurance and provide proof at registration. The city must typically be listed as an additionally insured party.

Key details: Policy Type: General Commercial Liability. When Required: At STR registration. Code: Roswell Ord. 2024-05-09.

Operating without the required insurance is a registration violation that voids the STR number. Roswell Municipal Court fines run up to $1,000 per day plus revocation of the STR registration and business license.

This is one of the stricter rules in Roswell's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Taxes & Fees

Roswell STR operators must collect the city's hotel/motel occupancy tax (commonly 8% in metro Atlanta cities) plus the 6% Georgia state sales tax via the Lodgers' Tax collection form. Registration carries a non-refundable $35 fee and requires renewal of a Roswell business license.

Key details: Hotel/Motel Tax: Collected via Lodgers' Tax form. State Sales Tax: 6% (Ga.). State Hotel-Motel Fee: $5 per night. Registration Fee: $35 non-refundable. Business License: Required after STR number issued.

Unregistered STRs forfeit any tax-collection liability protection and can be hit with back taxes, penalties up to 25%, interest, and Municipal Court fines up to $1,000 per day. Repeated failure to remit can result in revocation of the STR registration and business license.

The Bottom Line

Roswell is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Roswell, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Roswell can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.