What should Mobile hosts know about the total tax rate is?

The total tax rate is high at 16%, and a city tax increase from 8% to 10% takes effect June 1, 2025.

What should Mobile hosts know about a separate business license is?

A separate business license is required for every individual short-term rental property you own.

What are the key requirements for Mobile hosts?

You must post the name and phone number of a local 24/7 responsible party inside the unit.

What violations should Mobile hosts avoid?

Business licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed by January 31 to avoid a 15% penalty.

Mobile, AL Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

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Regulation details

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Eligibility5 rules

Mobile allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written lease agreement granting permission from property owner.
Mobile: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Mobile allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Apartment, Manufactured Home.

Requirements12 rules

Mobile: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.
Mobile: You must post the name and phone number of a local 24/7 responsible party inside the unit.
Mobile STR warning: Business licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed by January 31 to avoid a 15% penalty.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Mobile: To legally operate an Airbnb in Mobile, you must obtain a city business license and clear a zoning check to ensure your property is in an allowed district. You are required to install specific safety equipment like smoke and CO detectors and sign a notarized affidavit proving compliance. You must also collect and pay lodging taxes to the city, county, and state.

Fees & costs1 rule

Mobile charges a registration fee of $150 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $0.003259 (Initial fee plus 0.003259 of gross receipts; $100 minimum annual fee may apply.).

Taxes3 rules

Mobile charges a Lodging Tax of 0.1%. This applies to stays under 180 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits the City Lodging Tax directly to Mobile for most listings.
Alabama has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.
Mobile: The total tax rate is high at 16%, and a city tax increase from 8% to 10% takes effect June 1, 2025.

Limits & restrictions2 rules

Mobile occupancy calculation: 2 adults per bedroom. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Mobile limits stays to a maximum of 179 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Mobile requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contact, One fire extinguisher per floor, Detectors in each sleeping room and hallway, Local contact name and phone number posted inside.

Penalties3 rules

Mobile: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Mobile enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 fine. Second offense: Increased fines and potential license revocation. Daily fine: $100 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Mobile exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Mobile: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Mobile

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Frequently asked questions

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Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Mobile?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Mobile?

3Are there rental night limits in Mobile?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Mobile?

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