Short-Term Rental Regulations
in DeKalb County, AL

Airbnb listings are allowed in DeKalb County, AL, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed in R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and Rural Farm districts; R-1 requires conditional-use approval. Key constraints include a mandatory safety inspection by the Fire Marshal, occupancy limits (2 persons plus 2 per bedroom), prohibition of events (weddings/parties), required liability insurance, and a local contact reachable within 1 hour and on-site within 12 hours. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STRs are allowed in R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and Rural Farm districts; R-1 requires conditional-use approval. Key constraints include a mandatory safety inspection by the Fire Marshal, occupancy limits (2 persons plus 2 per bedroom), prohibition of events (weddings/parties), required liability insurance, and a local contact reachable within 1 hour and on-site within 12 hours.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in DeKalb County. 1) Obtain a residential building unit renting & leasing license from the City; 2) Submit an STR annual permit application ($20 fee) and pass safety inspections by the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector; 3) Provide emergency contact info, proof of insurance, and proof of lodging tax collection.

1) Obtain a residential building unit renting & leasing license from the City; 2) Submit an STR annual permit application ($20 fee) and pass safety inspections by the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector; 3) Provide emergency contact info, proof of insurance, and proof of lodging tax collection.

Vrbo is permitted in DeKalb County, AL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in DeKalb County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for DeKalb County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.