Short-Term Rental Regulations in Savannah, GA: The Complete Guide for Investors and Hosts in 2026
How Savannah's STVR Framework Is Structured
Georgia has no statewide short-term rental law. The regulation of STVRs — what it's called in Savannah, where "short-term vacation rental" is the official term — is handled entirely at the local level. This means the rules in the City of Savannah, unincorporated Chatham County, Tybee Island, and other jurisdictions in coastal Georgia are all distinct, and what applies at one address may not apply at the address next door if they cross a municipal line.
Savannah's STVR ordinance was originally adopted in 2017 and has been amended several times since. The framework has three main components: a zoning-based geographic restriction (where STVRs can operate), a certificate requirement (the permit every STVR needs), and a ward cap system that limits the concentration of non-owner-occupied STVRs in the city's most desirable historic districts.
STVR vs. bed and breakfast — an important distinction
Savannah's ordinance defines an STVR as the rental of an entire dwelling unit for 30 days or less. Renting only a room within an owner-occupied home is classified as a "bed and breakfast" — a different designation with different rules. This guide covers the STVR framework for entire-unit rentals. If your model involves renting rooms in your primary residence, contact the City's Planning and Urban Design Department for the B&B permit requirements.
Where STVRs Are Permitted in Savannah
The most fundamental question when evaluating any Savannah property for STR use is: is this address inside the STVR Overlay District? If the answer is no, the conversation is largely over — STVRs in most residential areas outside the overlay are prohibited regardless of how desirable the location might be for tourism purposes.
Savannah's Downtown Historic District — the 2.2-square-mile heart of the city with its 22 landmark squares — is within the STVR Overlay District. STVRs are permitted here with a valid certificate, but non-owner-occupied STVRs are subject to the 20% per-ward cap. Many wards in the Downtown Historic District have already met this cap, meaning new non-owner-occupied certificates require placement on a first-come, first-served waiting list that can run 3+ years. Owner-occupied properties are exempt from the cap.
Investment implication: Properties with existing active STVR certificates in capped wards are among the most valuable STR assets in Savannah. Verify cap status and certificate transferability rules before purchase.
The Victorian District, immediately south of the Downtown Historic District, is also within the STVR Overlay and subject to the same 20% per-ward cap on non-owner-occupied STVRs. The Victorian District has somewhat lower entry prices than the Downtown Historic District while offering similar access to Savannah's tourism ecosystem and Forsyth Park. Cap status varies by ward within the Victorian District — some wards remain open for new non-owner-occupied applications, others are closed. Verify current cap status for the specific ward of any target property before including STR income in your purchase underwriting.
Investment implication: The Victorian District may offer better STR investment entry points than the fully-capped Downtown wards, but individual ward status must be verified through the city's current cap list.
The Streetcar (Mid-City) Historic District operates under additional restrictions beyond the standard overlay rules. In this district, all STVRs on parcels zoned TN-2 must have two or more dwelling units, and one of those units must be owner-occupied. This makes the Mid-City corridor functionally an owner-occupied STVR zone for TN-2 parcels — investors who do not intend to occupy one unit cannot operate an STVR on TN-2-zoned property here. The cap rules are different from the Downtown and Victorian Districts — verify applicable restrictions for any specific address.
Outside the STVR Overlay District, STVRs are only permitted in specific Business and Agriculture zoning classifications: B-C (Community Business), B-N (Neighborhood Business), B-L (Limited Business), and A-1 (Agricultural). Standard residential zoning districts outside the overlay — including most of Midtown, Southside, and suburban Savannah — generally prohibit STVRs entirely. A property in a residential zone outside the overlay cannot be operated as an STVR regardless of neighborhood desirability.
Most residential neighborhoods in Savannah outside the historic overlay — Midtown, Southside, West Savannah, and the majority of suburban residential zones — do not permit STVRs. This is one of the most important facts for investors to internalize: buying a non-overlay residential property and planning to operate it as a short-term rental is not legal. Enforcement is active, fines begin at $100–$150 per occurrence, and neighbors and neighborhood associations do report violations.
Investor warning: Never rely on the fact that other properties in a neighborhood appear to be operating as STVRs as evidence that it's permitted. Unlicensed operations are common; legal status must be independently verified.
How to verify STVR eligibility for a specific address
The most reliable way to confirm whether a specific Savannah address is eligible for an STVR certificate is to submit a Zoning Confirmation Letter request to the City of Savannah Planning and Urban Design Department (fee: $50) for official written confirmation. Contact: Planning and Urban Design, 912-651-1440, zoning@savannahga.gov. Do not rely solely on verbal confirmation from a seller or listing agent. A Zoning Confirmation Letter is the defensible, documented answer you need before purchasing with STR intent.
The 20% Ward Cap — What It Means and Who It Affects
The 20% per-ward cap is the single most consequential aspect of Savannah's STVR regulations for investors. Understanding how it works — and what its real-world implications are — is essential before buying any Downtown or Victorian District property with STR income in the underwriting.
A ward in Savannah is a historic geographic division of the city, each roughly corresponding to one of Oglethorpe's famous squares and its surrounding blocks. The city contains 24 wards in the Downtown Historic District and additional wards in the Victorian District. The 20% cap means that within each individual ward, no more than 20% of the residential parcels can be operated as non-owner-occupied STVRs at any given time.
What happens when a ward hits 20%
Once a ward reaches the 20% threshold, the city stops issuing new non-owner-occupied STVR certificates for parcels in that ward. Applicants who want a certificate in a capped ward are placed on a first-come, first-served waiting list — the city contacts wait-list applicants when an opening occurs because an existing STVR certificate is not renewed or a property changes hands without a new application.
Wait times in the most desirable Downtown wards are substantial — reported at 3 or more years in many cases. Many wards in the Downtown Historic District and Victorian District have met the cap, and the city maintains a current list of capped wards on its official STVR page.
The owner-occupancy exemption
Owner-occupied properties are exempt from the 20% cap. If you occupy the property as your primary residence, you can obtain an STVR certificate regardless of whether the ward's cap has been met. This is why some investors structure acquisitions as owner-occupied purchases in capped wards — establishing primary residency to qualify for the exempt certificate tier. This is a legitimate strategy but must be executed genuinely; misrepresenting primary residency to obtain an owner-occupied certificate is a violation of the ordinance.
Grandfathered certificates
STVR certificates issued before September 28, 2017 are grandfathered and can be renewed regardless of whether the ward's cap has been met. These pre-2017 certificates are the most valuable STVR assets in the city — they cannot be displaced by the cap and can continue in perpetuity as long as renewals are maintained. When evaluating a property with a pre-2017 STVR certificate, understand that this is a genuinely scarce asset that commands a justified premium.
The cap status changes — always verify before purchase
The cap status of individual wards changes over time as certificates expire, are not renewed, or properties are sold and new owners don't apply within the six-month window. A ward that was capped when you last checked may have an opening now; a ward that appeared open may have filled since. Always verify current ward cap status directly with the city — the official STVR page at savannahga.gov lists currently capped wards — immediately before any purchase decision that relies on STR income. Do not rely on information that is more than 30 days old.
How to Apply for a Savannah STVR Certificate
As of July 26, 2024, all STVR applications and renewals in Savannah are processed exclusively through the Rentalscape online registration portal. The city no longer accepts paper applications. Here's the complete process.
Before starting an application, verify that your property's parcel ID begins with "2" (City of Savannah jurisdiction) and that the address is within the STVR Overlay District or an eligible Business/Agriculture zone. Request a Zoning Confirmation Letter from the Planning Department ($50) for official written documentation of eligibility. Also verify current cap status for your specific ward if the property is in the Downtown or Victorian Historic Districts.
Savannah's ordinance requires STVR applicants to notify adjacent property owners of their intent to operate a short-term vacation rental. The notification must include key details including maximum occupancy and on-site parking arrangements. Keep documentation of this notification as part of your application package.
Complete a Life Safety Compliance Verification Form confirming the property meets required safety standards. This typically involves confirming the presence and proper placement of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress. Bedrooms must meet building code standards to count toward occupancy calculations — confirm building code compliance before finalizing occupancy numbers in your application.
Every Savannah STVR is required to designate an agent who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to issues at the property. This agent must be reachable at all times during the rental period. The agent's contact information must be provided with the application and kept current — a property management company with 24/7 coverage fulfills this requirement for absentee investors. Self-managing owners must genuinely be available at all times or designate someone who is.
Submit the complete application through the Rentalscape online portal (savannahga.gov/STVR). The annual certificate fee and occupation tax certificate fee accompany the application. Each property requires its own separate certificate — multi-unit properties where multiple units will be operated as STVRs need individual certificates per unit. Note: certificates are non-transferable between properties and between owners. A certificate issued to you at one address cannot be transferred to another address or to the buyer of the property.
Beyond the STVR certificate itself, Savannah requires STVR operators to obtain a separate occupation tax certificate (effectively a business license) from the city's Revenue Department. This is a distinct requirement from the STVR certificate — both are required to legally operate. The annual renewal of both must be maintained; allowing either to lapse creates a compliance gap.
For condominiums — additional requirement
For condominium properties, you must provide a copy of the adopted condominium declaration that either explicitly permits short-term rentals or contains no prohibition on them. Many Savannah condominium declarations were written before STVRs became prevalent and are silent on the issue — this silence satisfies the city's requirement. However, some newer or amended declarations explicitly prohibit STVRs. Verify your specific condominium's declaration language before purchasing with STR intent, because a prohibitive declaration is a deal-killer that no city certificate can override.
Operating Rules: Occupancy, Compliance, and Day-to-Day Requirements
Holding an STVR certificate is the beginning of the compliance obligation, not the end of it. The city maintains active enforcement of operating standards, and violations — particularly those generated by neighbor complaints — can result in fines, certificate suspension, or revocation.
Maximum occupancy rules
1–2 bedroom units
- Maximum occupancy: 4 adults total
- Bedrooms must meet building code compliance to count
- Occupants must be informed of maximum occupancy at check-in
- Exceeding occupancy is a violation subject to fines
3+ bedroom units
- Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per bedroom
- Each bedroom subject to Zoning Administrator verification
- Room used as bedroom must meet code standards for egress, ventilation
- Maximum occupancy must be stated in the STVR listing and certificate
Ongoing compliance requirements
- 24/7 agent availability. Your designated emergency agent must be reachable at all times during any rental period. If you change your agent, update the information with the city through the Rentalscape portal using the Rental Agent Change Form.
- Guest communication of house rules. The maximum occupancy, parking arrangements, and applicable noise ordinance hours must be clearly communicated to guests at or before check-in. Documenting this communication provides a defense in the event of a neighbor complaint.
- Noise ordinance compliance. Savannah's noise ordinance applies to STVR guests the same as to permanent residents. Most complaints that trigger enforcement actions involve excessive noise during evening hours. House rules that explicitly address noise and the consequences of violation reduce the host's exposure.
- Annual renewal. STVR certificates require annual renewal. Allowing a certificate to lapse — even briefly — can create compliance gaps and, in capped wards, may result in losing certificate eligibility if the ward has filled in the interim. Set calendar reminders well in advance of renewal deadlines.
Tax Obligations for Savannah STVR Hosts
Tax compliance is a separate requirement from STVR certification — you can hold a valid certificate and still be non-compliant if you're not remitting required taxes properly. Here's the complete tax picture for Savannah STVR operators.
| Tax | Rate | Remittance Deadline | Who Collects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah local hotel/motel tax | 8% | 20th of following month | Host (platforms may assist) | Increased from 6% effective September 1, 2023; remit to City Revenue Department |
| Georgia State Use and Sales Tax | 7% | 20th of following month | Platforms collect; host verifies | Georgia law requires Airbnb/VRBO to collect and remit; confirm your platform's handling |
| Georgia income tax on rental income | 5.49% flat rate (2026) | Annual — April 15 | Host | Net rental income after allowable deductions; consult a tax professional |
| Federal income tax on rental income | Marginal rate | Annual / quarterly estimates | Host | Schedule E or Schedule C depending on level of services provided; significant deductions available |
Platforms collect state tax — but verify local tax handling
Georgia law requires booking platforms including Airbnb and VRBO to collect and remit the Georgia state sales tax (7%) on behalf of hosts. However, the local hotel/motel tax obligation — Savannah's 8% — is a separate host responsibility. Confirm with your specific platform whether they are also collecting and remitting the local tax for Savannah addresses. If the platform is not handling local tax remittance, you are responsible for collecting it from guests and remitting it to the City of Savannah's Revenue Department by the 20th of the following month. Operating with accurate records of gross rental income by month is essential for both local and state tax compliance.
Tybee Island Short-Term Rental Rules
Tybee Island operates under its own STVR ordinance, separate from both the City of Savannah and Chatham County. For investors considering Tybee Island as an STR location, the regulatory environment is important to understand — and in 2026, it's also in active flux.
Current Tybee Island STVR framework
- Certificate required. All STVRs on Tybee Island require a certificate from the City of Tybee Island — operating without one is a violation subject to fines.
- Non-transferable upon sale (since 2024). A significant 2024 ordinance change ended the transferability of STVR permits upon property sale in residential zones R-1, R-1-B, and R-2. When a property in these zones is sold, the existing STVR permit terminates at transfer — buyers do not inherit it. This is a crucial difference from the City of Savannah's framework, where buyers have a six-month window to apply for a new certificate.
- Occupancy standards. The standard is two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults for the entire dwelling — similar to Savannah's framework.
- Tax obligations. Hotel/motel tax and state sales tax obligations apply on Tybee Island as they do in the City of Savannah.
Pending regulatory changes on Tybee Island
As of 2026, Tybee Island is actively considering a hard cap on the total number of STVRs permitted in residential areas — a proposal that would limit STVRs in R-1, R-1-B, and R-2 zones to 775 total (approximately 37% of residential parcels). This is a significant pending regulatory development that investors must track.
Do not underwrite Tybee Island STR income without verifying current permit status
The combination of the 2024 non-transferability change and the pending hard cap proposal makes Tybee Island's STVR regulatory environment one of the most uncertain in coastal Georgia right now. Before purchasing any Tybee Island property with STR income in the underwriting, verify current permit status, confirm whether a new permit application would be accepted at the target address, and understand the status of any pending ordinance changes. Contact Tybee Island City Hall directly for current permit availability. Do not rely on the fact that a property currently operates as an STR as confirmation that you could continue to do so after purchase.
Unincorporated Chatham County STVR Rules
Properties in unincorporated Chatham County — those outside the city limits of Savannah, Tybee Island, and other municipalities — are subject to Chatham County's STVR regulations, which are generally less restrictive than the City of Savannah's framework.
- Jurisdiction identification. To determine whether a property is in City of Savannah or Chatham County jurisdiction, check the parcel ID from the Chatham County Tax Assessor. Parcel IDs beginning with "2" are City of Savannah; IDs beginning with "1" are unincorporated Chatham County; other numbers indicate different municipal jurisdictions.
- Permit required. Unincorporated Chatham County requires an STVR permit, with fees at approximately $150 per year. Contact Chatham County at 912-201-4313 for current permit requirements and application process.
- No 20% ward cap. Unincorporated Chatham County does not have the same per-ward cap system as the City of Savannah, making new permit issuance generally more accessible than in the Historic District.
- Tax obligations. The local hotel/motel tax and Georgia state sales tax obligations apply in unincorporated Chatham County as they do within city limits. Chatham County's hotel/motel tax rate may differ from the City of Savannah's — verify current rates with the county.
- Affected communities. Wilmington Island, Burnside Island, Skidaway Island, Isle of Hope (portions), and other communities in unincorporated Chatham County fall under county STVR jurisdiction rather than city rules.
Buying a Property With an Existing STVR Certificate — What You Must Know
The non-transferability of STVR certificates is the most important operational detail for investors buying existing STR properties in Savannah. Many buyers assume they're inheriting the STR business when they buy a currently-operating STVR property. They're not — they're buying the real estate, and the certificate must be re-applied for in their name.
The six-month transfer window
Here is the most critical regulatory protection for buyers of STVR-certified properties in the City of Savannah: when a property with a pre-existing STVR certificate is sold, a new application from the buyer will not be denied on the grounds that issuance would exceed the ward's 20% cap — provided the buyer applies within six months of the property title transfer date.
This six-month window is the mechanism by which an existing STVR property in a capped ward retains its STVR value through a sale. If the new owner applies within six months, they are essentially stepping into the certificate position of the prior owner. If they miss the six-month window, they lose this protection and join the general waiting list — which could mean 3+ years before a certificate is available in a capped ward.
Due diligence before purchasing an STVR property
- Request copies of current STVR certificate and occupation tax certificate from seller
- Verify certificate is current (not expired or suspended)
- Confirm current ward cap status with the city directly
- Identify whether the certificate is pre-2017 (grandfathered) or post-2017
- If a condominium, review declaration for STVR prohibition language
- Obtain Zoning Confirmation Letter ($50) for official documented eligibility
- Review any HOA rules for additional restrictions beyond city ordinance
Critical actions within 6 months of closing
- Apply for new STVR certificate through Rentalscape portal immediately after close
- Do not assume the process will be fast — begin immediately, before the six-month clock creates pressure
- Obtain occupation tax certificate simultaneously with STVR certificate application
- Notify the city of change in property ownership through the portal
- Update 24/7 emergency agent designation to reflect new ownership
- Confirm tax remittance structure with your booking platform
The six-month window is non-negotiable — set a calendar reminder at closing
If you buy an STVR-certified property in a capped ward and fail to apply for your new certificate within six months of the title transfer date, you lose the cap exemption protection. This is a hard deadline with no appeal process. The moment you close on an STVR property in a capped ward, set a calendar reminder for five months from closing date as your application deadline — not six months, five, to give yourself processing time. This single procedural detail is the difference between seamlessly continuing the STR operation and waiting 3+ years for a new certificate to become available.
The Investment Case — Does STR Still Work in Savannah?
Savannah's STVR regulatory framework can feel daunting from the outside. But for investors who understand it fully, the regulations actually create a defensible investment structure that benefits compliant operators in a way that lightly-regulated markets don't.
The 20% ward cap in the Historic District's most desirable wards does something that benefits existing STVR operators: it limits competition while preserving the neighborhood character that makes Savannah attractive to visitors in the first place. A Historic District ward where 20% of parcels operate as STVRs still has 80% long-term residential character — the authentic neighborhood feel that makes Savannah worth visiting. The cap protects that balance, and in doing so, it protects the market for the operators who are permitted to be in it.
What makes Savannah STR investing work
- Historic District STR average rent ~$2,200/month — strong revenue base
- Estimated rental yield: ~5.2% for compliant Historic District STVRs
- Cap-limited competition in the best wards creates real scarcity value
- Pre-2017 grandfathered certificates command significant premium
- Savannah tourism is structural, not seasonal — year-round demand
- Historic character creates differentiated product that hotels can't replicate
What kills STR investment returns in Savannah
- Buying without verifying STVR eligibility and paying a premium for assumed STR income
- Missing the six-month new owner application window in a capped ward
- Underestimating tax burden (15% combined local + state tax on gross revenue)
- Condo declarations with STR prohibition discovered after purchase
- Violations that trigger certificate suspension during peak revenue periods
- Tybee Island permit uncertainty under pending cap ordinance
The most defensible Savannah STR investment in 2026 is a property in the Downtown or Victorian Historic District with an active, pre-2017 grandfathered STVR certificate, purchased with appropriate premium for that scarcity value, and managed with strict regulatory compliance. The second-best position is a property in an uncapped ward where a new non-owner-occupied certificate can be obtained without a wait. The riskiest position is any purchase that assumes STR income without verified eligibility and confirmed certificate availability.
Browse current investment opportunities across the Savannah metro with our interactive map search, and contact our team to discuss specific properties and their STVR eligibility status before making an offer.
Frequently Asked Questions: Short-Term Rentals in Savannah, GA
Are short-term rentals legal in Savannah, GA?
Yes, short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) are legal in Savannah but only within the STVR Overlay District (Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar Historic Districts) or specific Business and Agriculture zones, and only with a valid STVR certificate from the City of Savannah. Operating an STVR outside these permitted areas or without a certificate is illegal and subject to fines beginning at $100–$150 per occurrence. Most standard residential neighborhoods outside the historic overlay prohibit STVRs entirely.
What is Savannah's 20% ward cap on short-term rentals?
Since September 29, 2017, the City of Savannah caps non-owner-occupied STVRs at 20% of residential parcels per ward in the Downtown Historic District and Victorian Historic District. A ward is a historic geographic division corresponding roughly to one of Savannah's squares and its surrounding blocks. Once a ward reaches 20%, no new non-owner-occupied certificates are issued — applicants join a first-come, first-served waiting list that can extend 3+ years. Many Downtown and Victorian District wards have met this cap. Owner-occupied properties are exempt from the cap entirely. Pre-September 2017 certificates are grandfathered and can be renewed regardless of cap status.
How do I apply for an STVR certificate in Savannah?
Since July 26, 2024, all Savannah STVR applications are processed exclusively through the Rentalscape online portal — paper applications are no longer accepted. The process requires: confirming zoning eligibility (Zoning Confirmation Letter, $50, recommended), notifying adjacent property owners, completing a Life Safety Compliance Verification Form, designating a 24/7 emergency agent, and paying the annual certificate fee plus occupation tax certificate fee. Each property requires its own separate certificate. Certificates are non-transferable — they don't convey when a property is sold.
Are STVR certificates transferable when a Savannah property is sold?
No — STVR certificates are not transferable. When a property is sold, the existing certificate does not convey to the buyer. However, buyers who apply for a new certificate within six months of the title transfer date are protected from being denied on cap grounds — meaning they can step into the prior owner's certificate position even in a ward that has met the 20% cap. Missing this six-month window forfeits this protection and places the new owner on the general waiting list. This deadline should be treated as one of the most important operational tasks immediately after closing on any STVR-certified property.
What taxes do Savannah short-term rental hosts owe?
Savannah STVR hosts owe: an 8% local hotel/motel tax (remitted to the City's Revenue Department by the 20th of the following month), and a 7% Georgia State Use and Sales Tax (major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the state tax on behalf of hosts under Georgia law — verify your platform's handling of the local tax). Georgia state income tax (5.49% flat rate) and federal income tax apply to net rental income. Total tax drag at the gross revenue level is approximately 15% in local and state taxes before income tax — this must be modeled in STR income projections.
What are occupancy limits for STVRs in Savannah?
For units with two or fewer bedrooms: maximum 4 adults total. For units with three or more bedrooms: maximum 2 adults per bedroom. Bedrooms must meet building code compliance standards — a space used as a sleeping area must qualify as a code-compliant bedroom to count toward occupancy. Hosts are required to communicate maximum occupancy to guests at or before check-in and to include it in the property listing. Exceeding maximum occupancy is a violation subject to fines and potential certificate revocation.
What are short-term rental rules on Tybee Island, Georgia?
Tybee Island requires its own STVR certificate from Tybee Island City Hall — separate from any City of Savannah permit. A key 2024 change ended transferability of STVR permits upon sale in residential zones R-1, R-1-B, and R-2, meaning property buyers do not inherit the existing permit. As of 2026, Tybee is actively considering a hard cap at 775 total STVRs in residential areas (~37% of parcels). Investors should verify current permit availability and the status of pending ordinance changes directly with Tybee Island City Hall before purchasing with STR income in the underwriting.
What are the STVR rules in unincorporated Chatham County?
Unincorporated Chatham County (parcel IDs beginning with "1") requires an STVR permit at approximately $150 per year and does not have the same 20% ward cap as the City of Savannah. Contact Chatham County at 912-201-4313 for current requirements. Communities including Wilmington Island, Burnside Island, and Isle of Hope (portions) fall under county jurisdiction. Hotel/motel tax and state sales tax obligations apply in unincorporated Chatham County as they do within city limits.
What penalties exist for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Savannah?
Operating a Savannah STVR without a valid certificate subjects the owner to fines beginning at $100–$150 per occurrence, with escalating penalties for repeat violations and potential certificate revocation for accumulated violations. Additional fines apply for operating outside permitted zones, exceeding maximum occupancy, violating noise ordinances, and failing to remit required taxes. The City maintains active enforcement and cross-references booking platform listings with its certificate database. Operating outside permitted zones — in standard residential areas where STVRs are prohibited — carries the same enforcement risk as operating without a certificate inside the overlay.
Is Savannah STR investing still viable given the regulations?
Yes — for investors who buy correctly. The 20% ward cap in the Historic District actually benefits compliant operators by limiting competition while preserving the neighborhood character that sustains Savannah's tourism appeal. Historic District STVRs average approximately $2,200/month in rent at roughly 5.2% yield. Properties with active certificates in capped wards and pre-2017 grandfathered certificates command justified premiums because they represent genuinely limited supply. The key rules: verify STVR eligibility before signing any purchase contract; understand and respect the six-month new-owner application window; model the full 15% local+state tax drag on gross revenue; and never assume STR income without confirmed certificate availability.
This guide reflects Savannah's STVR regulations as of May 2026 based on publicly available city ordinances and official sources. Short-term rental regulations are subject to amendment by City Council; verify current requirements at savannahga.gov/STVR or by contacting the Savannah Planning and Urban Design Department at 912-651-1440 before making any investment or operational decisions. Nothing in this article constitutes legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed real estate attorney familiar with Savannah's STVR ordinance for guidance specific to your situation.
Considering a Savannah STVR investment?
STVR eligibility, ward cap status, and certificate structure are critical due diligence items that need to be verified before any offer on a potential short-term rental property. Our team knows this market, knows the regulations, and can help you identify properties where the STR investment thesis is genuinely supported.
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