Smyrna, GA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Section 22-346 of the Smyrna Code of Ordinances governs the short-term rental agent. The owner names the agent on the license application. A property owner can serve as the agent, or the owner can designate a natural person over the age of 21. Section 22-343 defines the agent as a natural person who is available for and responsive to contact and who is customarily present at a location within the city for purposes of transacting business. Under section 22-345(a)(3), the application must give the agent's name, address, telephone number and email address as the 24-hour contact information.

The agent's duties under section 22-346(b) are to be available for any problem arising from use of the unit, keep a name and emergency contact phone number posted in a readily visible place inside the unit, and appear on the premises upon the city's request after the city notifies them of issues. The agent also receives and accepts service of any notice of violation, monitors the unit for compliance, and lists the license number on each rental listing. The section states that it does not impose a duty to act as a peace officer or to enter a perilous situation.

Section 22-346(c) allows the owner to change the agent temporarily or permanently, but only one agent can be designated for a property at any given time, and the owner must notify the city in writing with the new agent's information. Section 22-345(e) requires notice to Community Development within ten business days of a change.

Owner presence still matters elsewhere. Section 22-343 defines owner occupied property by primary residence and proof such as a homestead exemption, and that status decides whether accessory buildings can be rented and whether the 180 day cap applies under section 22-348(h).