Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lee County, AL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Lee County, AL, but with restrictions. In Auburn, 'Short-Term Non-Primary Rentals' are limited to 240 days per year, while 'Homestays' (owner-occupied) are limited to 90 days when the owner is absent. Opelika requires all residential rentals to have a local agent residing in Lee County and pass periodic safety inspections. 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.

In Auburn, 'Short-Term Non-Primary Rentals' are limited to 240 days per year, while 'Homestays' (owner-occupied) are limited to 90 days when the owner is absent. Opelika requires all residential rentals to have a local agent residing in Lee County and pass periodic safety inspections.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lee County. 1. Submit a Home Occupation (for Homestays) or Zoning Certificate (for Non-Primary) application to webplanning@auburnal.gov. 2. Once approved, apply for a Short-Term Rental Business License through the Revenue Office and pay the required fees (starting at $105).

1. Submit a Home Occupation (for Homestays) or Zoning Certificate (for Non-Primary) application to webplanning@auburnal.gov. 2. Once approved, apply for a Short-Term Rental Business License through the Revenue Office and pay the required fees (starting at $105).

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