Chatham County, GA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- On-site host
- Not required
- Local contact
- Required in application
- Contact duty
- Respond to renters and county
- Posted
- On required guest sign
- Savannah agent change
- Notify city within five days
Summary
Chatham County does not require a host to be present during a stay, but every short-term rental must name a valid local point of contact responsible for responding to both renters and the county. That contact and emergency number must be posted for guests.
Each application shall list a valid local point of contact that is responsible for receiving and responding to contact from both the renter and Chatham County or other governing bodies.
Full Breakdown
Section 16-1304(1)(f) requires each application to list a valid local point of contact who receives and responds to contact from renters and from Chatham County or other governing bodies. The contact and emergency information appear on the mandatory guest sign (§16-1303). There is no requirement that the owner live on site or stay during rentals; a designated agent may serve. If the rental agent or contact changes, the county must be updated in writing, and Savannah requires owners to notify the city within five business days of an agent change.
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain a valid local contact, or to update BSRS in writing of changes, undermines license compliance and can support suspension or revocation (§16-1307, §16-1308).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be present when guests stay?
What must the local contact do?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia short-term rentals overview
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