LicensedRental

Georgia county rules

Clayton County, GA vacation rental rules and taxes

Clayton County’s market is spread across Riverdale, Jonesboro, Forest Park, and unincorporated areas near the airport. The county and several cities license short-term rentals, and College Park’s Clayton part is under a citywide ban.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026
Market
About 450 Airbnb listings
Riverdale 134, Jonesboro 120, Forest Park 54, Ellenwood 54, Morrow 38, Conley 22, Rex 18 (AirROI).Source
Sales tax
8%
9% in the Clayton part of College Park.Source
Hotel-motel tax
3% to 8%
Clayton County, Jonesboro, Forest Park, Morrow 8%; Riverdale 3%.Source

Lake City and Lovejoy are not covered yet. Ask the city hall about permits and taxes.

Ellenwood and Rex addresses can be in Clayton, DeKalb, or Henry County. Check your tax bill.

What to do

  1. Find who governs your address

    Cities set their own rules; unincorporated areas follow the county code. Pick your area below.

  2. Know what the platform collects

    Airbnb collects state and local sales tax, the $5 state fee, and the local hotel-motel tax on its bookings.Source

Towns

Full guide

Forest Park

Forest Park’s 2022 ordinance follows Atlanta’s model: a $150 yearly license, available for your primary residence plus one other unit. Guests are limited to 2 adults per bedroom plus 2, up to 10. Stays pay 8% sales tax plus the city’s 8% hotel-motel tax.

Full guide

Jonesboro

Jonesboro allows short-term rentals as a conditional use in some zones with a yearly city license, a home inspector’s report, and a business license. Guests must be 25 or older, and only 10% of homes in the historic districts may be rentals. Stays pay 8% sales tax plus the city’s 8% hotel-motel tax.

Full guide

Morrow

We found no short-term rental permit or rules in Morrow’s code. Stays owe 8% sales tax + 8% hotel-motel tax + $5/night; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.

Full guide

Riverdale

Riverdale applies its bed and breakfast standards to short-term rentals, which require the owner or an agent to live on the property and an annual occupational tax permit. Stays pay 8% sales tax plus the city’s 3% hotel-motel tax.

Full guide

Unincorporated Clayton County

Unincorporated Clayton County regulates short-term rentals in two places: a business code that requires a county business license, a yearly permit, and an inspection, and a zoning section that requires registration, a 24/7 manager, and caps of 12 overnight guests. Stays pay 8% sales tax plus the county’s 8% 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.