LicensedRental

Georgia county rules

Dougherty County, GA vacation rental rules and taxes

Dougherty County, home to Albany, has about 126 active Airbnb listings. Since December 2024 the county requires a yearly short-term vacation rental certificate, and both Albany and the county charge an 8% hotel-motel tax on top of 9% sales tax.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026
Market
About 126 listings in Albany
AirROI active Airbnb listings.Source
Sales tax
9%
State 4% + local 5%.Source
Hotel-motel tax
8%
City of Albany 8%; Dougherty County 8% outside the city.Source
County rental certificate
Required, $50 a year
Dougherty County Code ch. 2-19 (December 2024).Source

What to do

  1. Then your city or area

    Business licenses, zoning, and the local hotel-motel tax are set by each city and the county. Pick your area.

Towns

Full guide

Albany

We found no short-term rental permit or rules in Albany’s code. Stays owe 9% sales tax + 8% hotel-motel tax + $5/night; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.

Full guide

Unincorporated Dougherty County

Dougherty County requires a yearly short-term vacation rental certificate ($50) and an occupational tax certificate for any home rented for 30 days or less. You must name a 24-hour agent, send letters to neighbors, and post house rules.

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 Spot something out of date?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.