Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Tuscaloosa County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/19/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Renewalannual
Permit Cap150 permits
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap150 active multi-family licenses per year in TO Downtown-Campus District; 100 active multi-family licenses per year outside district within city limits
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • Historic District properties require Special Exception through Zoning Board of Adjustment; multi-family buildings have density caps by district

Official Sources

tuscaloosa.com/str
Data confidence: 85%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Tuscaloosa?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required.

Where do these Tuscaloosa short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Tuscaloosa's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, or Alabama authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.