Short-term rentals in Augusta, Georgia

Augusta is known worldwide for one week in April, when the Masters Tournament turns the city into the most sought-after rental market in the South and residents rent out their own homes to patrons, corporate hosts and media. The rest of the year is different but real: the Medical District around Wellstar MCG Health and the VA hospitals, the Army's cyber center of excellence, the Savannah River Site and new manufacturing employers bring a steady flow of clinicians, contractors and relocating families. The Augusta Riverwalk, Lake Thurmond and college sports add weekend leisure. Three-bedroom houses in Summerville, West Augusta and near the medical campus fit both uses.

Light local rules

Augusta-Richmond County has no short-term rental permit and no ordinance restricting rentals by zoning district; the Commission considered the matter and chose not to regulate further. What you do need:

• a business tax certificate from the License and Inspection Department, renewed each year before January 1;
• registration for the local hotel-motel excise tax if your platforms do not remit it;
• compliance with general rules on noise, parking, trash and property maintenance, which apply to rentals like any other home.

Neighboring Columbia County and the cities across the river in South Carolina have their own rules, so an address in Evans or North Augusta is a different conversation.

Taxes

Georgia's 4% sales tax plus local option taxes, the $5 state hotel-motel fee per night and the local excise tax apply to short stays. Marketplace platforms collect the state layers; confirm who handles the local excise tax for your bookings.

Masters week and the 14-day rule

If you rent out a home you live in for 14 days or fewer in the year, the federal "Augusta rule" in section 280A(g) of the tax code lets you exclude that income entirely. It is named for this city. A full-time rental does not qualify, and its Masters income is taxed like any other.

Our advice

Do not underwrite a purchase on Masters week alone. The investment case in Augusta rests on medium stays for medical and military professionals, with the tournament as a bonus. Furnish for working guests, offer monthly rates, and book April early with a clear contract and deposit. We study every request and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.