LicensedRental

Georgia county rules

Barrow County, GA vacation rental rules and taxes

Barrow County, between Atlanta and Athens, has a modest market led by Winder. The county requires a $250 yearly permit outside city limits, Auburn has its own $250 permit, and Winder needs City Council approval for each rental.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026
Market
Small
Winder 32 Airbnb listings (AirROI).Source
Sales tax
8%
Hotel-motel tax
5% county; 7% in Winder
County rules
$250 yearly permit

What to do

  1. Then your city or area

    Permits, zoning, and the hotel-motel tax are set by each city, and by the county outside city limits. Pick your area.

Towns

Full guide

Auburn

Auburn requires a $250 yearly short-term rental permit for every rental structure except apartments. Renew by the second Monday in December or you must start a new application.

Full guide

Unincorporated Barrow County

Barrow County requires a $250 yearly short-term rental permit for homes in its residential zones, with no more than 5 bedrooms rented and 12 overnight guests. The county also charges a 5% hotel-motel tax outside city limits.

Full guide

Winder

Winder’s zoning code makes a short-term rental a conditional use that needs City Council approval, in most residential and business districts. The city adds a 7% hotel-motel tax.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.