SAVANNAH, Georgia – The city of Savannah has launched a new online portal for the management of short-term vacation rentals (STVR) and the enforcement of the city’s STVR ordinance.
The software platform, Rentalscape, provides a new portal digitizing the city’s management of STVRs. The software moves the application process entirely online for all new applicants and annual renewals, including application submission, upload of required documentation, and electronic payment options.
Complaints regarding STVRs can also be made through the portal. Residents also have access to a 24/7 hotline to speak to representatives about STVR issues requiring immediate attention. Complaints are routed to the city’s Code Compliance Department streamlining the enforcement effort.
The software also provides a public portal that tracks and displays, in real time, all STVR permits. The feature will be available later this summer.
Additionally, the software provides the ability for city staff to review revenue collected on STVRs to ensure applicable hotel/motel excise taxes and accurate annual business licensing fees are remitted.
City council members approved the purchase of the software at the July 27, 2023, meeting at a cost of $290,000 for a three-year contract.
The new portal and compliant hotline can be found at www.savannahga.gov/stvr. Complaints can also be made by calling (912) 226-0320.