Houston County, GA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Section 19-23(a) flatly bars using, operating, renting, offering, or advertising any dwelling unit, or any portion of one, as a short-term rental anywhere in unincorporated Houston County unless the owner has applied for and holds a valid, current accommodation excise tax certificate issued under Chapter 19, Article III. Section 19-23(b) separately makes it unlawful to operate, rent, offer, or advertise a short-term rental without that certificate, or to run one contrary to the article's procedures, any other county Code provision, or state law. Only a person with an ownership interest in the property, or a managing agency or agent authorized to manage it, may hold the certificate; Section 19-23(c) bars renters from obtaining one unless the property owner gives explicit written permission.

To apply, Section 19-27 requires submitting the certificate fee, property owner and parcel information, the number of dwelling units and bedrooms, a local point of contact, parking information, and sworn affirmations covering fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, weekly trash service, and compliance with any HOA or deed restrictions. The finance director reviews and can deny an incomplete or noncompliant application under Section 19-29, and a denial is appealable in writing to the board of commissioners within 14 days under Section 19-32.