In recent years, the neighborhood of Home Park in Atlanta has seen a growing tension between residents and owners of short-term rentals (STRs). The local homeowners express increasing discontent over the impact of these rentals, while STR owners argue their business benefits the local economy. Home Park president Kathy Boehmer highlights the concerns of families living in the area. “It’s just constantly people in and out of there, the noise, the parties,” she said. She recounted a neighbor who chose to move due to these disturbances, noting, “They’ve got two little girls. He said, ‘We can’t, we just can’t deal with that anymore.’ It’s really kind of tearing up the fabric of the community.”
On the other side, STR owner Aaron Appleton defends his well-maintained properties, noting their positive economic impact. He emphasizes that his units support local tourism and generate jobs, stating, “I have a maintenance team, have a cleaning team. So, you know, it’s giving a lot of people opportunities.” Appleton believes STRs create unique stays for visitors and contribute to Atlanta’s tourism sector.
The issue gained official attention in 2019, leading to a series of public hearings and council discussions. Initially, victims of STRs voiced their frustrations. The city responded in 2020 by passing ordinances to curb unruly ‘party houses’. However, following the introduction of a tax for STRs in 2022 and new operational rules, a shift in the dialogue occurred, as the STR community organized lobbying efforts under the Atlanta Metro Short Term Rental Alliance (AMSTRA).
Kathie McClure, the vice president of AMSTRA, described the city’s regulatory approach as “chaotic, misguided, and an overly burdensome implementation process.” Shortly after implementation, the city put a hold on enforcing these new regulations, leading to a rise in STR density within certain neighborhoods.
Amid the burgeoning STR market, Atlanta’s city officials have been unable to reach a consensus on policy. Council president Doug Shipman comments, “We’ve been trying to make a universal policy that fits the whole city. But really, there are a lot of nuances.”
Shipman identifies three distinct groups among STR owners: those who rent out a room or suite in their home, individuals with a small portfolio of properties, and large operators who manage multiple units primarily for tourism. Each group presents a unique set of regulatory challenges.
Areas attracting tourists—near downtown, midtown, the World Congress Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium—contrast sharply with suburban neighborhoods where stricter homeowner association rules can limit or entirely prevent STRs. Homeowners associations have increasingly enacted regulations to control the density and impact of STRs in their communities, which has provided some protection for residents. However, other neighborhoods have found themselves inundated by short-term rentals without adequate measures in place.
As the city continues to address these complexities, residents express discontent with the lack of action from city officials. Many believe that while Atlanta is quick to collect tax revenue from STRs, it has not taken adequate steps to shield its residents from the potential negative impacts. Shipman adds that upcoming events, particularly the 2026 World Cup, add urgency to the matter. “That really has put a new sense of urgency around this issue, to try to make sure that we have a licensing and a regulatory environment,” he mentioned.
Despite the apparent urgency, some residents fear that regulatory measures may come too late to address growing concerns. STRs continue to flourish in the absence of a solid framework; Airbnb listings, for example, already target visitors ahead of the World Cup. Boehmer expresses skepticism regarding the city’s motivation to fully resolve the matter. “I don’t think they really want to resolve it. Deep down, I don’t think they have what it takes,” she said.
Other nearby communities have implemented varied regulations for STRs. Some have established low-barrier registration and tax compliance, while others, like Cobb County, enforce stricter guidelines limiting guest numbers based on unit size and requiring ample parking. In Cobb County, for instance, rules dictate that properties must provide at least one parking spot for every bedroom along with additional spaces for guests.
In South Fulton, STR owners must notify nearby neighbors about their intention to rent, ensuring they are aware of changes in the neighborhood. Duluth has imposed restrictions on STR density, while cities like Brookhaven and Smyrna also limit the number of rental days allowable within a set period. Appleton reflects on Smyrna’s regulations, noting that while he can rent out properties for 180 nights, exceptions exist if the unit is owner-occupied.
Communities also require STRs to designate a local agent to handle complaints within a defined timeframe. Enforcement remains key to any successful regulatory framework. Data reveals a skyrocketing number of complaints in Cobb County, escalating from 63 in early 2023 to 2,358 by mid-2025, predominantly from residents reporting unauthorized rentals.
In Gwinnett County, a task force proposed comprehensive measures including an annual inspection of STR units, restrictions on corporate ownership, and penalties for repeated violations related to disturbances. Although the task force has made recommendations, formal action remains pending.
A vote regarding DeKalb County’s STR policy is scheduled for the end of July 2023. This policy aims to require registration, a business license, and the collection of an 8-percent hotel-motel tax.
While these policies attempt to regulate STRs, many people believe STRs are intensifying the ongoing housing crisis by taking units out of the long-term housing market. Shipman recognizes this issue, asserting, “I do think that it does put some pressure on the overall affordability of the city, though I think that the bigger issue around affordability is the fact that we just haven’t built enough, period, for how many people want to move here and live here.”
Boehmer reports that nearly 25% of properties in Home Park were used as STRs in the last neighborhood association count. “Unless you live there, if you’re not overseeing what’s going on, they have no clue how it affects the neighbors next door,” she added.
Meanwhile, Appleton has expanded his STR portfolio, acquiring 13 new properties in recent years to reach a total of 26 across Georgia. Unlike casual investors, he operates his STRs as a business and utilizes data effectively to inform property management decisions. Appleton argues that prior mitigation structures could have prevented many current issues, stating, “I think if there was structure on the front end, a lot of this could have been avoided. But it’s like now this is an issue we’re trying to clean up after it’s already taken place.”
Additionally, Appleton is developing micro resort communities in tourist-targeted areas like Helen, Georgia, which are less likely to enact anti-STR regulations. “They have some 600 true residents, but over 3 million plus travelers,” he explained, emphasizing that the local economy relies heavily on STRs. This dynamic contrasts sharply with Atlanta, where STRs arguably exert less influence on the broader economy.
As the struggle continues, both residents and STR owners await a resolution while the debate lies at the intersection of community values, economic interests, and the future of Atlanta neighborhoods.
image source from：11alive
