Short-Term Apartment Rentals in Atlanta, GA: How to Find the Right Place Fast

Looking for short-term apartment rentals in Atlanta, GA—whether for a few weeks or a few months—can feel overwhelming. Rents vary widely by neighborhood, and rules can be different from one building to the next. This guide focuses specifically on how short-term rentals work in Atlanta, what options you actually have, and how to choose the right one for your situation.

What Counts as a “Short-Term” Apartment Rental in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, people use “short-term rental” to describe a few different setups:

• Corporate or furnished apartments – usually 30+ day stays, fully furnished, utilities included.
• Month-to-month or flexible leases – standard apartments that allow shorter commitments or early move-out with fees.
• Extended-stay style rentals – apartment-style units that feel like a cross between an apartment and a hotel.
• Vacation-style rentals – homes or apartments rented out for short periods, sometimes nightly or weekly.

⚠️ Local note:
Within the City of Atlanta, stays under a month can fall under the city’s Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance, which has registration rules for hosts. Renters mostly deal with normal tenant or guest rules, but you may notice extra paperwork or house rules because of local regulations.

When Short-Term Rentals Make Sense in Atlanta

Short-term apartment rentals are common in Atlanta for:

• Business travel or contract work near Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter, or near film studios.
• Medical stays near Emory, Grady, or Piedmont Hospital.
• Relocating to Atlanta and wanting a place while you house-hunt.
• Renovations or insurance claims when your primary home is unlivable.
• Students and interns needing a place for a semester or summer.

If you fall into any of these groups, a short-term apartment can be more comfortable and often more cost-effective than a traditional hotel, especially if you need a kitchen, laundry, or space to work from home.

Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for Short-Term Apartment Rentals

Different parts of the city offer different advantages. Here’s a quick reference:

If you don’t have a car, Midtown and Downtown are usually the easiest for short-term stays thanks to MARTA rail stations and walkability.

Types of Short-Term Apartment Rentals in Atlanta

1. Furnished and Corporate Apartments

These are fully furnished units in regular apartment communities, typically including:

• Furniture, kitchenware, and linens
• Utilities (electric, water, trash)
• Often Wi-Fi and sometimes parking

They’re common near:

• Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead
• Perimeter Center and Sandy Springs
• Areas close to major hospitals or film studios

Pros:

• Move-in ready with minimal setup.
• More space and privacy than a hotel.
• Often in modern buildings with amenities (gym, pool, lounge).

Cons:

• Higher monthly cost than an unfurnished lease.
• Minimum stay often 30 days or more.
• Some require background checks and application fees like a regular lease.

2. Month-to-Month or Short Leases in Regular Apartments

Many Atlanta apartment communities offer:

• 3–6 month leases
• Month-to-month options after your initial term
• Lease-break clauses allowing early exit for a penalty

These options are more common in:

• Large complexes in Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Decatur
• Newer high-rises in Midtown and Buckhead

Things to ask leasing offices:

• What’s the shortest lease term?
• Is there a short-term lease premium added to rent?
• Are fees higher (admin, application, parking) for short terms?

This route can work well if you:

• Plan to stay at least three months.
• Don’t mind furnishing the place or bringing essentials.
• Might renew if you decide to stay in Atlanta longer.

3. Extended-Stay Style Rentals

These are often set up like apartments with:

• Kitchenettes or full kitchens
• Weekly cleaning in some cases
• Flexible week-to-week or month-to-month stays

They’re common near:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Downtown/Midtown business areas
• Perimeter Center and major corporate corridors

They can work if:

• You aren’t sure exactly how long you’ll stay.
• You want hotel-style flexibility but more space than a traditional hotel room.

4. Vacation-Style or Individual Short-Term Rentals

These include condos, small apartment buildings, or single units used as short-term rentals. In Atlanta, these are often found in:

• Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland
• West Midtown and Castleberry Hill
• Condos in Midtown and Buckhead

Within city limits, owners may be required to register as short-term rental operators with the City of Atlanta if they’re under certain stay lengths. As a renter, you mainly want to check:

• That the building allows short-term stays.
• Any quiet hours, parking rules, or building access instructions.

How Short-Term Leases Typically Work in Atlanta

While every landlord is different, you can expect some common patterns:

Lease Lengths

In Atlanta, short-term apartment rentals often fall into these buckets:

• 30–90 days – common for corporate housing and medical stays.
• 3–6 months – offered by some apartment communities at a premium.
• Month-to-month – flexible but usually higher rent and less availability.

Many buildings require at least 30 days to avoid being treated like hotel-style stays, especially inside the City of Atlanta.

Pricing and Fees

Prices depend heavily on location, building age, and furnishings. You may see:

• Base rent that’s higher for short terms than for 12-month leases.
• Short-term premiums (a flat monthly upcharge).
• Deposits – refundable security deposits are common.
• Application fees – especially for multifamily communities.
• Parking fees – especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown.

In furnished/corporate units, your monthly rate often bundles:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Internet
• Sometimes parking

This can look high at first glance, but it may compare well once you factor in no furniture purchases, no setup fees, and no utility deposits.

Understanding Local Rules and Practical Considerations

City of Atlanta Short-Term Rental Rules (Host-Facing, But Good to Know)

While most rules fall on property owners and hosts, it helps renters to know:

• Operators may need a Short-Term Rental license if they rent for shorter stays.
• Some buildings have strict visitor and occupancy rules to comply with fire and safety codes.
• Owners may limit events, parties, and large gatherings.

If something feels off (e.g., you’re told to “pretend you’re a relative” at the front desk), that can be a sign the host may not be following building rules. That’s a risk for you if management cracks down mid-stay.

Georgia Landlord–Tenant Basics That Affect Short-Term Renters

Shorter leases still sit under Georgia landlord–tenant law in many cases, especially for 30+ day stays. A few general points:

• Written leases usually control move-out notice, penalties, and deposits.
• Landlords typically must return deposits within a set time if conditions are met and itemized damages are explained.
• For issues like repairs or access, communication in writing (email or written notice) is important.

If you ever have a serious dispute about a short-term lease in Atlanta, you can reach out to:

Fulton County Magistrate Court – Dispossessory Division
185 Central Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 613-5360

Atlanta Legal Aid Society (for qualifying residents)
54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 524-5811

They can provide guidance about local processes and rights, particularly for longer short-term stays that operate like regular leases.

How to Choose the Right Short-Term Rental in Atlanta

1. Start With Your Primary Need

Ask yourself:

• Are you here mostly for work, school, medical care, or tourism?
• Do you need to be able to walk, or will you drive everywhere?
• Is noise a concern (Buckhead nightlife vs. quieter residential areas like Decatur or Morningside)?

Match your needs:

• Business in Midtown/Buckhead/Downtown → consider furnished units in those areas to avoid long commutes.
• Film/TV jobs → check West Midtown, Castleberry Hill, or areas near studios (like in Southwest Atlanta or the Trilith area outside the city).
• Medical stays → look near Emory/CDC area, Midtown (for Piedmont), or Downtown (for Grady).

2. Set a Clear Budget

Include:

• Rent + short-term premiums
• Parking (often $75–$200/month in central areas)
• Pet fees if you’re bringing an animal
• City fees or taxes applied to shorter stays

Atlanta’s prices vary widely. In general:

• Midtown/Downtown/Buckhead furnished = highest,
• Areas like Decatur, Brookhaven, or Westside may be a bit more affordable while still close-in.

3. Confirm Commute and Transportation

Atlanta traffic can be intense, especially:

• I-75/85 Downtown Connector
• GA 400 in Buckhead/Sandy Springs
• I-285 (Perimeter)

Before you commit, check:

• Distance to your job/school/hospital at both rush hour and mid-day.
• Proximity to MARTA rail or bus lines, especially in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and near Perimeter Center.
• Guest and resident parking policies, especially if you’re near the BeltLine or in dense intown neighborhoods.

4. Check Building Rules and Amenities

Ask the landlord, leasing office, or host:

• Is the unit in a secure building (controlled access, front desk, gated parking)?
• Are utilities and internet included?
• Are laundry facilities in-unit or on-site?
• What are the quiet hours and visitor policies?
• If it’s a condo or townhome, does the HOA allow short-term rentals?

These details can make a big difference in comfort if you’re working from home or need rest during odd hours.

Practical Steps to Finding Short-Term Rentals in Atlanta

Here’s a simple process that works well locally:

1. Choose your top 2–3 neighborhoods based on where you’ll spend most of your time (work, school, hospital, or main activity).
2. Decide on furnished vs. unfurnished:
   • Furnished for stays under ~6 months or if you’re relocating and don’t want to move furniture right away.
   • Unfurnished if you already live in Atlanta and just need a temporary place during renovation or between homes.
3. Contact apartment communities directly in those areas:
   • Ask if they offer 3–6 month leases or have partnerships with corporate housing providers.
4. Compare at least 3–5 options on:
   • Total monthly cost (rent + fees + parking)
   • Length of stay terms
   • Commute and walkability
   • Included furnishings and utilities
5. Request a written breakdown:
   • All fees, deposits, and conditions,
   • What happens if you need to extend or leave early.
6. Visit in person if possible:
   • Walk the neighborhood at the times you’ll actually be coming and going.
   • Check noise, lighting, and general safety feel.

Safety and Quality Tips Specific to Atlanta

• Check the property from street level, not just online photos. Some areas change block by block.
• If you’re new to Atlanta, consider staying inside the Perimeter (I-285) and near well-traveled corridors or MARTA stations, especially if you won’t have a car.
• Ask about security features:
  • Controlled access gates
  • Garage vs. open parking
  • Exterior lighting
• If renting a unit in a larger building:
  • Confirm that building management is aware of your stay.
  • Be cautious if you’re instructed not to mention that it’s a short-term rental.

Who to Contact for Local Housing Guidance

If you need more structured help understanding your options or rights in Atlanta:

Atlanta Housing Authority (general housing resources)
230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 892-4700

City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development
55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 3800
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 330-6390

These offices focus more on long-term housing and affordability, but they can sometimes point you toward local housing support organizations that understand the landscape, especially if your short-term need is tied to displacement, emergencies, or relocation.

Finding short-term apartment rentals in Atlanta, GA is easier once you narrow down your needs by location, length of stay, furnishings, and budget. Focus on a few key neighborhoods that match your daily routine, confirm lease flexibility and total costs up front, and make sure the setup is properly allowed in the building. With those basics covered, you can land a comfortable, practical place that works well for your time in Atlanta.