Buying a Savannah property with an STVR certificate

Sec. 8-11012 and the City of Savannah's process for new owners

The City of Savannah's 20% per-ward cap limits new non-owner-occupied (Type 2) short-term vacation rental (STVR) certificates in the Downtown and Victorian historic districts, so many buyers there look for a property that already holds one. This page summarizes what the City's published rules say happens when such a property changes hands. It is a summary, not legal advice. Confirm anything that matters with the City of Savannah.

Certificates do not transfer with a sale

Per the City, STVR certificates are non-transferable. A buyer does not take over the seller's certificate; a new owner who wants to operate a short-term rental applies for a new certificate.

The six-month window (Sec. 8-11012)

When a parcel holding a pre-existing certificate has a title transfer, the City's STVR Regulations page states that the new owner's application will not be denied for exceeding the ward's cap if the new owner applies for a new STVR certificate within six months from the date of title transfer. The ordinance refers to any transfer of property title; it does not list deed types. Whether the window applies to a specific parcel depends on that parcel's certificate history, which only the City can confirm.

What the City asks a new owner to do

Per the City's STVR Q&A (updated May 14, 2026), a new owner emails a copy of the HUD/settlement statement to stvr@savannahga.gov asking to close the previous certificate, because a new application can't be submitted while a certificate exists for another owner. Applications and renewals are handled through the City's registration portal.

Renewal timing

Per the City, STVR certificates are valid for one year, renewals are due 30 days before the listed expiration date, and renewals are not available after a certificate expires. The City's Q&A adds that once a permit is closed by the system, no exceptions or waivers can be granted. Each certificate's listed expiration date is on the City's published list.

What CertScout shows

The free CertScout screener shows whether a certificate for an address is on the City's published list, its occupancy type, its listed expiration date, and CertScout's count for the ward against its cap figure. Transfer Watch, a subscription tool, lists capped-ward Non-owner-occupied (Type 2) certificates whose parcel had a recorded title transfer in the last 12 months and where each one stands against the six-month window, using Chatham County Board of Assessors sales records. Recorded deeds can take weeks to appear in those records. CertScout does not determine eligibility, grandfathered status, or how the City treats a particular deed.

Contact the City of Savannah

• Short-Term Vacation Rentals (rules, capped wards, applications, fees)
• STVR Regulations
• STVR Q&A
• Phone: (912) 525-2783 (Option 2) · Email: stvr@savannahga.gov

CertScout is not an official government record. The City of Savannah has not reviewed or endorsed CertScout. Confirm a parcel's certificate history and your eligibility with the City of Savannah before relying on the six-month window.

Guides: Savannah STVR ward caps · Buying a property with an STVR certificate · STVR certificate lookup · FAQ