Following last month's approval of a new short-term rental (STR) ordinance, Hall County government officials have now opened up a consumer hotline for residents who notice problems with such rentals in their neighborhoods.
According to information released by the county this week, the new hotline will be operational on a 24-hour basis. The number is 770-637-6647.
A live person will handle any complaints, touching base with the person responsible for the rental property. In accordance with the STR ordinance, the local contact must respond to the issue within one hour. Residents voicing a concern can request a call back in one hour to get an update on the status of their complaint.
"The new hotline provides a vital form of documentation - both for the citizens of Hall County and county officials - to maintain the proper balance of homeowners' rights for short term rental owners and their neighbors," said Srikanth Yamala, Hall County Planning and Development Director.
In order to regulate and enforce the guidelines of the STR ordinance, Hall County has a $500 per-day fine for short term rentals operating without a proper business license. The county is offering a grace period through April 30 for owners to come into compliance with the updated county ordinance.
Letters have been mailed to unlicensed properties listed on the short term rental market informing property owners of the STR ordinance and the time period for coming into compliance.
To get more information about the county's short term rental policies, follow this link.
