Short Term Vacation Rentals are Good for All

• They recovered, restored or at least greatly improved at least 60% of the residential properties in the historic district.


• Because of them Savannah is now architecturally sound.


• They maintain the STVR residential properties to a much higher standard of maintenance, compared to all other residential residences that are only owner occupied and/or buildings that the owners use as a long term rental property business. The only other historic homes that are kept as well as the STVR's properties are other professional businesses: doctors, lawyers, dentists, accountants, small businesses like the Mate Factor, and the properties that are B&B's.


• They pay a tax that is imposed upon them to 'apply' for STVR business status, and an additional ongoing annual fee to maintain legal STVR status.


• They pay the regular properties tax everyone pays for residential property, PLUS they also pay the City an imposed tax of 6% on all dollars generated from allowing tourists to stay in their home. This is in addition to the 7% tax the State imposes on them.


• STVR business is a self-policing business. They continue in business because of good reviews by renters who leave happy. Good reviews assure other new renters that the business is what was represented to them, and what they expected.


• STVR’s have created thousands of new opportunities, and jobs for other local businesses, and are 4% of all of Savannah's hospitality dollars. And they support many millions of dollars coming into the local economy, which is money that helps to offset the taxes paid by their neighbors.