Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hattiesburg, MS

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hattiesburg, MS, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted only under City Ordinance No. 3376 with a citywide cap equal to 2.5% of total residential structures (waiting list maintained if cap reached). Applicants must identify a local property manager (must reside in Forrest or Lamar County) available 24/7, comply with zoning/building codes and HOA covenants, post unit rules and local contact information, and meet occupancy rules (generally 2 persons per sleeping room plus 4 per dwelling; +6 additional for homes >3,250 sq ft). Units must pass fire/health/code inspections and follow parking, trash, and noise requirements. 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 permitted only under City Ordinance No. 3376 with a citywide cap equal to 2.5% of total residential structures (waiting list maintained if cap reached). Applicants must identify a local property manager (must reside in Forrest or Lamar County) available 24/7, comply with zoning/building codes and HOA covenants, post unit rules and local contact information, and meet occupancy rules (generally 2 persons per sleeping room plus 4 per dwelling; +6 additional for homes >3,250 sq ft). Units must pass fire/health/code inspections and follow parking, trash, and noise requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hattiesburg. 1) Complete and submit the City Short-Term Rental Application to the City Tax Department/Planning Division with required documents (proof of liability insurance covering STR use, mortgage/deed showing STRs allowed, rental agreement, parking and trash plans, sales tax registration) and pay application and licensing fees (total new application listed as $250). 2) Undergo required inspections (fire, building/occupancy determination) and staff review (zoning/CZC). 3) If approved, receive a 1-year permit; renew annually via City Tax Department.

1) Complete and submit the City Short-Term Rental Application to the City Tax Department/Planning Division with required documents (proof of liability insurance covering STR use, mortgage/deed showing STRs allowed, rental agreement, parking and trash plans, sales tax registration) and pay application and licensing fees (total new application listed as $250). 2) Undergo required inspections (fire, building/occupancy determination) and staff review (zoning/CZC). 3) If approved, receive a 1-year permit; renew annually via City Tax Department.

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