Can You Airbnb Your Condo in Atlanta? A Crash Course on Short-Term Rental Rules in Midtown, Buckhead & Beyond
Quick Answer:
Most condos in Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown Atlanta prohibit short-term rentals like Airbnb under their HOA covenants. Only a few “condo-tel” buildings—such as Peachtree Towers, Landmark, and 525 Park—allow them. Here’s what every buyer, investor, and agent should know.
📍 [Your Assistant Can Insert Two Evergreen Links to Current Condo Listings Here]
(One Downtown Atlanta condo and one Buckhead condo listing—these links will stay active even after the listings change.)
Why Most Atlanta Condos Don’t Allow Airbnb Rentals
If you’ve toured condos in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard it before: “Can I Airbnb this unit?”
The answer, for the vast majority of buildings in Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown, is no.
That’s because each condominium community operates under covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)—their legally binding governing documents. These rules typically require a minimum lease term of six or twelve months, effectively banning short-term rentals. Even for long-term rentals, most associations place a cap on how many units can be rented at once to keep owner occupancy high.
Understanding Rental Caps and Permits
Most Atlanta condo communities set a rental cap between 25% and 35% of total units.
If the building has 100 units, that means only 25–35 can be rented out at a time.
Owners who rent their units hold what’s called a rental permit. When a unit is sold or the owner stops renting it, that permit may become available to the next person on a waitlist. Getting a permit can take months or years, depending on turnover.
If you don’t have a permit, renting your unit—short- or long-term—is not allowed under the HOA’s rules. Even if a unit has a permit, short-term (Airbnb-style) rentals remain prohibited in most cases.
The Rare Exception: Condo-Tels That Allow Airbnb
Only a handful of Atlanta buildings allow true short-term rentals, often called condo-tels.
These properties cater to Airbnb investors with cleaning services, concierge check-in, and flexible rental terms.
Some of the best-known examples include:
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Peachtree Towers – Downtown Atlanta; one of the city’s original Airbnb-friendly condo-tels.
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The Landmark – “Sister building” to Peachtree Towers; also STR-friendly with on-site services.
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525 Parkway – A newer, furnished option for Airbnb investment in Downtown. This building caters specifically to short-term rental owners.
💡 Example Listing:
525 Parkway Drive — Fully furnished and Airbnb-ready
Buyers can even purchase the furniture to launch their rental immediately.
Other Airbnb opportunities:
Why HOAs and Lenders Restrict Rentals
Rental restrictions aren’t arbitrary. They’re tied to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending guidelines, which require certain levels of owner occupancy in a condo community.
If too many units are rented, the building risks becoming “non-warrantable,” meaning it no longer qualifies for conventional financing. Lenders hesitate to issue mortgages in those cases, limiting buyers to cash or portfolio loans - something that can stall sales and drop property values.
HOAs impose these caps to:
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Maintain financing eligibility.
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Protect resale values.
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Encourage stable, well-maintained communities.
In short, rental restrictions help protect everyone’s investment - whether you’re buying to live in the unit or to rent it long-term.
Buyer Tips: What to Do Before You Buy an Investment Condo
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Always request the HOA covenants and bylaws before you go under contract.
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Ask specifically about the rental cap - is it full? Is there a waitlist?
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Confirm minimum lease terms. Most buildings require six- or twelve-month leases.
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Focus on buildings without HOAs (single-family homes or townhomes) if your goal is Airbnb income.
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Understand that rules can change. Even if a building allows rentals today, owners can vote to amend covenants and restrict them later.
We’ve seen it firsthand - investors who purchased when no rule existed, only to have Airbnb banned within two years. Rules can change.
FAQ: Atlanta Short-Term Rental Rules
Q: Can I Airbnb my condo in Atlanta?
Usually no. Most condo HOAs require a 6–12 month minimum lease, effectively banning Airbnb.
Q: What’s a rental permit and how do I get one?
It’s permission from your HOA to rent your unit long-term. Waitlists apply, and short-term rentals are still excluded.
Q: Which condos allow Airbnb in Atlanta?
Peachtree Towers, The Landmark, and 525 Park are currently some of the best-known Airbnb-permitted condo-tels. Best for all-cash purchases.
What’s Changing?
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Are new short-term rental permits being banned in Buckhead following the Home Park restrictions?
→ Atlanta News First, 2025-09-30
→ Nique News, 2025-10-03 -
What is the impact of the Home Park short-term rental ban on nearby Midtown Atlanta investments?
→ Civic Atlanta, 2025-08-24 -
How might upcoming World Cup preparations influence short-term rental rules in Downtown Atlanta?
→ Atlanta News First, 2025-09-30 -
What are the current licensing requirements for operating an Airbnb in Midtown Atlanta amid recent policy reviews?
→ BNBCalc Guide (2025) -
Could Buckhead see lending restrictions or pricing shifts due to potential short-term rental changes?
→ Nique News, 2025-10-03
Ready to Explore Airbnb-Friendly Atlanta Properties?
Thinking about buying a condo for short-term rental income—or selling one with Airbnb potential?
Contact us to discuss your investment goals and find the right fit for your buy box.
