Huntsville, Alabama Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Huntsville Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
The City of Huntsville regulates vacation rentals. Regulations for short-term rental operations may be referenced in Accessory Uses per the City of Huntsville Zoning OrdinanceBusiness License Requirements
The applicant will need to apply for a business license with the City of Huntsville Clerk-Treasurer Department to operate a short-term rental, but only after the planned short-term rental has been verified and approved by the Zoning Administration. All relevant Departments are also notified of the application or license and asked for approval. View the Airbnb Permit page for more information.Building and Housing Standards
The City of Huntsville has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Building & Construction Services Department for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Lodging Tax is imposed on all persons who operate any hotel, motel, rooming house, lodge, or another place where accommodations are made available to travelers, tourists, or transients. Charges for rooms, lodgings, or accommodations provided for a period of 180 consecutive days or more in the same place are exempt from Huntsville tax. Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the state and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Huntsville for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.0
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Competition
6.1 -
Real Estate Cost
8.0 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
9.4 -
Rental Rates
2.4
Huntsville, Alabama Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 215,006
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- June through Aug.
- County
- Madison
- Airports
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
- Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL)
Want to learn more about Huntsville?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Huntsville rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Huntsville rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Huntsville.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Huntsville guests.
Interested in other Alabama cities?
Check out the Alabama Airbnb rules directory
What makes Huntsville a great place to invest?
- Space and Rocketry Mecca: Huntsville's pride and joy, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, is an exhilarating destination that'll propel you into a world of space exploration. With its vast collection of rockets, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits, this world-class facility invites you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of space travel.
- Historic Downtown Charm: Stroll through Huntsville's picturesque downtown, where beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture houses an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Don't miss the chance to explore the Alabama Constitution Village, a living history museum that transports you back to 1819.
- Outdoor Adventures: Huntsville's surrounding natural beauty offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the lush greenery of the Monte Sano State Park, hike the scenic trails of the Land Trust of North Alabama, or paddle your way through the sparkling waters of the Flint River.
- Thriving Arts and Culture Scene: Huntsville boasts a rich arts and culture scene, with venues like the Von Braun Center and the Huntsville Museum of Art hosting performances, exhibitions, and events year-round. Don't forget to take a walk through the Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment District, home to local artists, craftsmen, and unique eateries.
- Cutting-Edge Research Institutions: Huntsville is a hub for innovation, with the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and the Cummings Research Park playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of technology and engineering. Take a campus tour or attend a public lecture to witness the groundbreaking research happening right here in Huntsville.
- Sports Enthusiast's Paradise: Cheer on Huntsville's professional sports teams, including the Rocket City Trash Pandas (MiLB) and the Huntsville Havoc (SPHL). The city's state-of-the-art sports facilities also make it an excellent destination for hosting and attending tournaments in various disciplines.
Huntsville Nearby Cities
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74 miles away
- Rating: 7.7
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78 miles away
- Rating: 5.1
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Huntsville?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Huntsville has increased 1% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $164, which is lower than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$327,559
1% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$164
5% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,457
4% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Huntsville, Alabama
Common terms for Huntsville short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Huntsville has a description approximately 1,099 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,172 listings in Huntsville, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Huntsville, Perfect, Place, Downtown, Comfortable, Quiet, Rocket, Yard, Stocked, and Spacious.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Huntsville?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Huntsville involve going to the City Centre, Museums, Hiking, Adventure Activities, and the Health Spa. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Museums
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Hiking
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Adventure Activities
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Health Spa
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Antiquing
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Cycling
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Mountain Biking
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Wildlife Viewing
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Swimming
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Rock Climbing
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Boating
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Huntsville, including US Space and Rocket Center, Von Braun Center, Bridge Street Town Centre, University of Alabama-Huntsville, and Jack Daniel's Distillery. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Von Braun Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Oakwood University
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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US Space and Rocket Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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University of Alabama-Huntsville
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Bridge Street Town Centre
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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MidCity Huntsville
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Parkway Place Mall
Included on most listings
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Local Landmark
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Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Huntsville Botanical Garden
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Monte Sano State Park
Included on 75% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Cummings Research Park
Included on 7% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Jack Daniel's Distillery
Included on 2% of listings
What’s the weather like in Huntsville, Alabama?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 71°, while the average low is about 51°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 47 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is relatively rare, averaging less than 3 inches per year. The humidity levels in Huntsville are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
35° Low 52° High
Spring
March through May
51° Low 71° High
Summer
June through August
68° Low 87° High
Fall
September through November
52° Low 72° High
Cities Near Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama, is located in Madison County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
