Short-Term Rental Rules in Kennesaw, GA (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
In Kennesaw, GA, short-term renting is allowed, but hosts must comply with specific regulations. Hosts need a City of Kennesaw Business License and a Short-Term Rental Certificate to operate legally [3].
Do you need a permit or license?
To operate a short-term rental in Kennesaw, a host must acquire both a Business License and a Short-Term Rental Certificate through the Business License Office [3]. The Short-Term Rental Certificate requires a $250 application fee and a $90 inspection fee, covering a mandatory Life Safety Inspection [3]. This certificate must be visibly displayed in the rental unit [3].
Taxes
Hosts must collect and remit an 8% Hotel/Motel Excise Tax on rentals [3]. Airbnb facilitates collection and remittance of taxes, including a $5 per night state hotel-motel fee for reservations up to 30 nights [4].
Limits and restrictions
The City of Kennesaw ordinances specify occupancy limits, parking standards, and noise restrictions for short-term rentals [3]. Nonconforming properties operating prior to January 1, 2025, may continue without the two-property or distance restrictions if compliance is achieved by the specified dates [3].
Penalties
Operating a short-term rental without a certificate can incur fines and penalties as per city ordinance [3]. Specific penalty amounts are detailed in the ordinance [3].
How to apply
To apply for a Short-Term Rental Certificate, hosts must first acquire a Business License. Applications can be submitted in person or via email [3]. Required documents include affidavits, ID, proof of property ownership, and liability insurance [3]. Applications are reviewed by the Business License Office, which will provide further instructions and scheduling of inspections upon approval [3].
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Business License | Required [3] |
| Short-Term Rental Certificate | Required and visible [3] |
| Application Fee | $250 [3] |
| Inspection Fee | $90 [3] |
| Excise Tax | 8% [3] |
| Nonconforming Rentals | Must register by December 31, 2025 [3] |
FAQ
Do I need both a Business License and a Short-Term Rental Certificate?
Yes. You must first obtain a business license before you can be issued a Short-Term Rental Certificate [3].
What happens if I operate without a certificate?
Failure to obtain and/or operating without a certificate is a violation and may result in fines or penalties [3].
Can I operate a Short-Term Rental in a leased home?
Yes, but only with written permission from the property owner [3].
Running a rental in Kennesaw
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- GA R&R - GAC - Subject 560-13-2 STATE HOTEL-MOTEL FEE (official)
- Community Development Division (official)
- Short-Term Rentals - City of Kennesaw (official)
- Airbnb: Vacation Rentals, Cabins, Beach Houses, Unique Homes & Experiences
Last checked: October 6, 2026. This page summarizes rules the city, county or state has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the city before you list a property.