Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Huntsville, AL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Huntsville, AL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as stays under six months (179 days or less) and are treated as motels under the City’s zoning; they are generally not permitted in most residential zoning districts and are allowed as a primary use only in specified commercial/industrial zoning districts (Residence 2-B, C-3, C-4, C-5, Light Industry, Heavy Industry, Airport Industrial Park, Research Park Commercial) and by special exception in certain other business/research park districts. Lodging tax (9% plus $2/night surcharge) applies. 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 are defined as stays under six months (179 days or less) and are treated as motels under the City’s zoning; they are generally not permitted in most residential zoning districts and are allowed as a primary use only in specified commercial/industrial zoning districts (Residence 2-B, C-3, C-4, C-5, Light Industry, Heavy Industry, Airport Industrial Park, Research Park Commercial) and by special exception in certain other business/research park districts. Lodging tax (9% plus $2/night surcharge) applies.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Huntsville. 1) Contact Zoning Administration (256-564-8008) to verify the property’s zoning and whether STR use is permitted or requires a special exception. 2) Apply for a Business License with the City of Huntsville Finance Office via the online portal; review may take up to 10 business days. 3) Collect and remit lodging tax (9% plus $2/night) via the State of Alabama OneSpot portal.

1) Contact Zoning Administration (256-564-8008) to verify the property’s zoning and whether STR use is permitted or requires a special exception. 2) Apply for a Business License with the City of Huntsville Finance Office via the online portal; review may take up to 10 business days. 3) Collect and remit lodging tax (9% plus $2/night) via the State of Alabama OneSpot portal.

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