What’s Happening With Savannah’s Vacation Rentals? Five Things You Need To Know

Vrbo Public Policy
Jul 21, 2017 · 3 min read

Savannah is nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South” and for good reason. From the palm trees lining Victory Drive to the Spanish moss hanging from Savannah’s oak trees, the city is a picturesque destination attracting visitors from around the country.

That’s nothing new for Savannah. The city’s culture has long been oriented toward welcoming visitors to enjoy its southern charm, complete with brick roads, elaborate public squares, and historic homes — all close to the ocean. It’s no secret to residents that the city’s appeal is built around its quaint, neighborhood feel. But residents also recognize the importance of its thriving tourism economy.

As whole-home rentals grow in popularity for families and groups looking for lodging, here’s what you need to know:

1. Savannah City Council is currently considering new vacation rental regulations. Savannah’s City Council voted to move forward with an ordinance limiting vacation rentals to 20 percent of the residential properties in a ward and capping the number of people that can stay in a vacation rental at one time. The City Council will continue to iron out the details of new regulations in the next couple of months.

2. Vacation rentals are critical to Savannah’s culture and identity. Whole-home vacation rentals have existed in Savannah for decades. They bring families and groups together to experience City Market and River Street or trek out to Tybee Island. With Savannah’s economy largely depending on its culture of opening doors to visitors, vacation rentals are at the core of what makes Savannah the city it is today.

3. Whole-home vacation rental owners are responsible neighbors. Because homeowners are renting their property, they truly care about maintaining positive relationships with their neighbors and the city. These Savannah residents have invested in upgrading their property or maintaining a second home for their family and care about their communities.

4. Short-term rentals support Savannah’s small businesses. For every dollar Savannah visitors spend on lodging, they spend more at local restaurants, shops, and attractions. Because many vacation rentals are located off the beaten path and outside traditional tourist districts, vacation rentals bring critical revenue to small businesses that rely on tourists to keep their businesses afloat. In 2015, visitor spending surged to $2.67 billion, making hospitality one of Savannah’s top industries.

5. Smart regulations are key to preserving the benefits of vacation rentals. The key to effective legislation is to work with all parties at the table to find a solution that respects property rights, encourages compliance, and ensures vacation rentals can continue to add value to the community.

Over the years, HomeAway has seen Savannah grow into an attractive location for visitors and renters alike. We will continue to work with the city to find solutions that preserve neighborhood character without sacrificing the benefits we’ve seen from Savannah’s whole-home vacation rentals.

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