Fayette County’s “Augusta Rule” Moment: How the Soccer Housing Bureau Can Pay Your Mortgage
If you’re a Fayette County homeowner, this episode of Peachtree City Radio is your heads-up to a real, legal tax break in Fayette County GA, and a rare chance to make serious short-term rental income during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta. We break down how the Augusta Rule (a.k.a. the “Masters exception”) lets you rent your primary residence for up to 14 nights tax-free, and how the soon-to-launch Soccer Housing Bureau (modeled after the Masters Housing Bureau) will match local homes with fans, teams, staff, media, and sponsors when hotels are sold out.
What you’ll learn
- What the Augusta Rule is and how Fayette County homeowners can use it in 2026
- How the Soccer Housing Bureau will work (listings, fees, who rents, and why it’s not a frat party)
- Which cities are in: Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Tyrone (plus notes on unincorporated county)
- Key dates: June 15 – July 15, 2026 (World Cup window; local ordinance allowances run June 1 – July 31)
- Typical costs/fees (service %, sales & hotel/motel taxes, $5/night state fee) vs. tax-free rental income under the Augusta Rule • Partial rentals are OK: finished basement/in-law suite setups can work
- Why the US Soccer Federation Arthur Blank National Training Center on Veterans Pkwy makes Fayette County a prime base
Who this is for
- Any Fayette County homeowner eyeing a tax break in Fayette County GA while covering a chunk of the mortgage
- Owners near Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Tyrone, Trilith, and path-connected neighborhoods
- Folks buying a home in Fayette County GA now who want a built-in plan to offset ownership costs in 2026 Key takeaways (straight talk)
- You can legally rent your primary residence up to 14 nights, tax-free (income tax) under the Augusta Rule.
- The Soccer Housing Bureau will be an online platform connecting vetted renters (teams, staff, media, sponsors) with local homes—not a party app.
- Local cities have made room for this—short-term rental rules are relaxed for the event window (details vary by city).
- You’ll still collect/remit sales tax, hotel/motel tax, and a $5 state lodging fee. Don’t love it; still gotta do it.
- Pricing power will be real. Build fees into your nightly rate and let the summer of soccer fund your deck, vacation, or a few extra principal payments.
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Chapters
0:00 Intro – Why Fayette County homeowners should care
0:33 The Augusta Rule: tax-free rental income, explained
2:32 This is coming here: the Soccer Housing Bureau for Fayette County
3:15 USSF Arthur Blank National Training Center + World Cup dates
5:18 How the platform works (who rents, how listings connect)
7:12 City participation (Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Tyrone) & ordinance window
9:05 Fees you’ll see vs. the tax break in Fayette County GA
10:18 Can I rent out just my finished basement/in-law suite?
12:05 Getting ready: timelines, website, and next steps
13:20 Why this is good even if you’re buying a home in Fayette County GA now ________________________________________
Resources & Links
- Soccer Housing Bureau (launching soon): https://www.soccerhousingbureau.com
- Fayette County Board of Commissioners: https://fayettecountyga.gov/administration/BOC/
- Masters Housing Bureau (reference model): https://www.mastershousing.com/
- Contact Fayette Forward: https://fayette-forward.org/or email: Eric@fayette-forward.org
- Thinking of moving here? Start with a local strategy session: tjmcgraw@livinginptcga.com or Call (678) 329-8995
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Quick FAQ
Q: Is this Airbnb?
A: No. It’s a dedicated Soccer Housing Bureau platform matching vetted renters (teams, staff, media, sponsors) with local homes.
Q: Do taxes still apply?
A: Income tax on up to 14 nights is excluded under the Augusta Rule. You still handle sales tax, hotel/motel tax, and the $5/night state lodging fee.
Q: Do I have to rent the whole house?
A: Not necessarily. Partial rentals (e.g., finished basement/in-law suite) can qualify if they’re part of your primary residence.
Q: I’m not a current owner—should I still watch?
A: Yes. If you’re buying a home in Fayette County GA, this is a legit plan to offset carrying costs in 2026.
