What should Huntsville hosts know about most residential neighborhoods (r-1, r-1a?

Most residential neighborhoods (R-1, R-1A, etc.) prohibit short-term rentals by default.

What should Huntsville hosts know about huntsville defines short-term stays as?

Huntsville defines short-term stays as anything less than 180 days (6 months).

Are there rental limits in Huntsville?

There is a mandatory $2 per room, per night surcharge in addition to the 9% lodging tax.

What should Huntsville hosts know about a business license is required?

A business license is required before you can legally list on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Huntsville?

The city treats short-term rentals as 'motels' for zoning purposes.

What are the key requirements for Huntsville hosts?

Tax returns must be filed at least monthly via the state 'One Spot' system.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Huntsville?

Zoning verification must be the first step; do not apply for a license before checking your zone.

Short-Term Rental Laws in Huntsville, AL

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 4, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Huntsville are regulated as motels under the city's zoning code and are generally prohibited in most residential districts. To operate legally, hosts must secure zoning approval, obtain a city business license, and remit a 9% lodging tax plus a $2 per room, per night surcharge.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Huntsville, you must first verify that your property is in a zone that allows 'transient lodging'—most residential neighborhoods are actually off-limits. If your zone is approved, you are required to get a city business license and register to pay taxes. You'll need to collect a 9% lodging tax from your guests along with a $2 per-room nightly fee, which you'll report to the city monthly.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Processing Time

10 business days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Most residential neighborhoods (R-1, R-1A, etc.) prohibit short-term rentals by default.
2.Huntsville defines short-term stays as anything less than 180 days (6 months).
3.There is a mandatory $2 per room, per night surcharge in addition to the 9% lodging tax.
4.A business license is required before you can legally list on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.
5.The city treats short-term rentals as 'motels' for zoning purposes.
6.Tax returns must be filed at least monthly via the state 'One Spot' system.
7.Zoning verification must be the first step; do not apply for a license before checking your zone.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(2)

•Huntsville, AL: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Huntsville allows STRs in the following property types: Hotels, Motels, Rooming Houses, LODGINGS.

Requirements(14)

•Huntsville STR warning: The city treats short-term rentals as 'motels' for zoning purposes.
•Huntsville STR warning: Zoning verification must be the first step; do not apply for a license before checking your zone.

Application Process(9)

•Huntsville STR permit - Step 4: Register for Lodging Tax. Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue 'One Spot' system to collect and remit the 9% lodging tax and $2/night surcharge. Time: 1-5 days.
•Huntsville, AL extended permit requirement: Fees are typically determined based on gross receipts or specific license category upon approval.

Taxes(3)

•Alabama has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.
•Huntsville charges a Lodging Tax of 9%. This applies to stays under 180 days. Note: Operators are generally responsible for monthly filing via the One Spot System, even if platforms collect a portion.
•Huntsville, AL: Tax returns must be filed at least monthly via the state 'One Spot' system.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Huntsville enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city noise ordinance..
•Huntsville limits stays to a maximum of 179 nights.
•Huntsville, AL occupancy calculation: Occupancy limits are generally dictated by health and fire codes (typically 2 persons per bedroom).. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Huntsville requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, Compliance with fire safety codes and potential inspections by City Fire & Rescue..

Penalties(4)

•Huntsville, AL: Huntsville defines short-term stays as anything less than 180 days (6 months).
•Huntsville, AL: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Huntsville, AL: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(3)

•Huntsville, AL: Zoning verification must be the first step; do not apply for a license before checking your zone.
•Huntsville, AL: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 4-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Alabama Markets

Baldwin County

Alabama

Permissive

Unincorporated Baldwin County does not have a dedicated short-term rental permit or restrictive ordinance. Hosts are primarily governed by the Alabama Lodging Tax (7% total for most unincorporated areas) and must ensure their property is not within an incorporated city with its own rules.

0.1% total tax

Montgomery

Alabama

Permissive

Montgomery requires short-term rental operators to obtain a standard city business license and remit state, city, and county lodging taxes, though a dedicated STR ordinance is currently under development.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Birmingham

Alabama

Moderate

The City of Birmingham enacted a formal short-term rental ordinance in 2023 (No. 23-146) which requires all hosts to obtain a specific STR license and a standard business license. The city allows non-owner-occupied rentals in most residential zones and mandates a 14% lodging tax rate.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Auburn

Alabama

Moderate

Short-term rentals in the City of Auburn are classified as either 'Homestays' (primary residence) or 'Short-Term Non-Primary Rentals' (STNPR). All operators must obtain a zoning permit and a city business license, and are subject to a 7% local lodging tax. STNPRs are limited to operating 240 days per calendar year, while Homestays have varying occupancy limits depending on owner presence and zoning district.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Huntsville

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(2)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(9)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Alabama Markets

Baldwin County

Montgomery

Birmingham

Auburn

Huntsville

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals legal in Huntsville?

2What taxes do I pay for a Huntsville Airbnb?

3What is the key requirement for Huntsville STRs?

4Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Huntsville?

Related Content

Other Alabama Markets

Baldwin County

Montgomery

Birmingham

Auburn