LicensedRental

Georgia county rules

Newton County, GA vacation rental rules and taxes

Newton County has about 180 listings, mostly in Covington, which requires a yearly certificate and a two-night minimum. Porterdale also certifies rentals; we found no county short-term rental rules.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026
Market
About 180 Airbnb listings
Covington 177 (AirROI).Source
Sales tax
7%
Hotel-motel tax
5% county; 8% in Covington
County rules
None found

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

Covington

Covington requires a yearly short-term vacation rental certificate ($150 to apply, $100 to renew) and allows rentals only in certain residential and mixed-use zones. Every booking must be at least two nights, and the city adds an 8% hotel-motel tax.

Full guide

Porterdale

Porterdale requires a yearly short-term vacation rental certificate ($45) and an inspection by the city housing official before you open and at each renewal. Your agent must reach the rental within two hours.

Full guide

Unincorporated Newton County

We found no short-term rental permit in Newton County’s code. Stays outside city limits owe 7% sales tax, the county’s 5% hotel-motel tax, and the $5-a-night state fee.

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 Spot something out of date?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.