Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Fairhope, AL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Fairhope, AL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (rentals under 30 days) are prohibited in R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts and permitted only in R-4, R-5, B-1, B-2, B-3a, and B-3b. All rentals under 180 days are subject to lodging tax and must comply with the City’s Business License Code. 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.

Short-term rentals (rentals under 30 days) are prohibited in R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts and permitted only in R-4, R-5, B-1, B-2, B-3a, and B-3b. All rentals under 180 days are subject to lodging tax and must comply with the City’s Business License Code.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Fairhope. 1) Apply for a City business license for each rental location by submitting an application to the City of Fairhope, P.O. Box 429. 2) Pay the business license fee (minimum $100 inside city limits) and comply with lodging tax requirements for rentals under 180 days. 3) Renew licenses and pay fees annually by January 1.

1) Apply for a City business license for each rental location by submitting an application to the City of Fairhope, P.O. Box 429. 2) Pay the business license fee (minimum $100 inside city limits) and comply with lodging tax requirements for rentals under 180 days. 3) Renew licenses and pay fees annually by January 1.

Vrbo is permitted in Fairhope, 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 Fairhope 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 Fairhope. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.