Long-term rentals
In the City of Atlanta you can rent a permitted ADU to a long-term tenant. The city's ADU rules don't require the owner to live on the property for a long-term rental. The ADU can't be sold separately from the house.
Short-term rentals and Airbnb
Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated by the city's short-term rental ordinance (Ord. 20-O-1656, in effect since March 1, 2022). An ADU can be used as a short-term rental only if the owner lives on the property, and the owner needs a City of Atlanta short-term rental license. Other cities and counties in the metro set their own rules, so check before you list.
Other things to plan for
- Insurance: tell your insurer about the ADU during construction and once it's rented.
- Property taxes: a new ADU adds assessed value.
- Separate utility meters make billing a tenant simpler.
- HOAs can restrict rentals even where the city allows them.
This page is general information, not legal advice.