Smyrna, GA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Unlike many Georgia jurisdictions that have no STR insurance requirement, Smyrna's Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 22, Article XI) lists 'proof of liability insurance' among the documents required to apply for a Short-Term Rental License. Other application requirements include a Code Compliance Verification Form, a designated Local Agent contact form, proof of ownership (warranty deed), the Smyrna Police background check, and - for owner-occupied STRs - a homestead exemption or affidavit in lieu. The ordinance text and Business License application materials require liability coverage but do not publish a numeric minimum the way some peer cities (Sandy Springs, Brookhaven) do; applicants should confirm the current required limit and acceptable certificate-of-insurance language directly with the Business License Coordinator (678-631-5363) before binding a policy. Practical considerations: standard HO-3 homeowners policies typically exclude commercial or short-term rental activity, so a dedicated STR endorsement, landlord/dwelling policy with STR coverage, or commercial lodging policy is usually needed to meet Smyrna's requirement. Airbnb's AirCover for Hosts and Vrbo's Liability Insurance program both provide up to $1,000,000 in secondary host liability coverage on covered platform bookings, but Smyrna typically expects the host's own primary policy to satisfy the application requirement, not platform coverage alone. HOAs and mortgage lenders may impose additional coverage minimums independent of city code.