I think I'm eligible for Short-Term Rental. How do I apply?
In cases where a property is eligible to get a Short-Term Rental permit, a number of forms and approvals need to be submitted to the Revenue Division. A complete list of the necessary forms can be downloaded and viewed from the sidebar on the Applications & Forms page linked below. The requirements for Short-Term Rentals can be broken down into the four steps shown below:
Application Documents
Check out our Applications & Forms page to determine what information you will need to submit and to download all the appropriate application forms:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special restrictions on me having a Short Term Rental in my apartment or condo?
Multi-Family buildings have additional regulations that limit the number of licenses granted to operate a Short-Term Rental.
- Properties within the TO Downtown-Campus District are Permitted by Right up to a cap of 150 Active Multi-Family licenses per year.
- Properties outside the district and within City limits are Permitted by Right up to a cap of 100 Active Multi-Family licenses per year.
Additional information can be found on these items on the Building & Inspections webpage or by contacting the Office of Urban Development, Building & Inspections Division at 205-248-5110.
Are there any special restrictions on me having a Short Term Rental if I live in a Historic District?
All residential properties within the Historic Districts are Permitted by Special Exception through the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
For specific queries about a particular district, contact the Office of Urban Development, Planning Division at 205-248-5100 or email str@tuscaloosa.com.
About how much will it cost to get my Business License?
The cost of your Business License is based on a number of factors.
For more specific information on Business Licenses, check out the Business License webpage or contact the Revenue Division at 205-248-5200 or revenueoffice@tuscaloosa.com.
I have received all the necessary signatures and approvals I need to operate my Short-Term Rental. Is there anything else I need to remember?
There are! Please remember that:
- There must be a contact available 24/7 for the rental property in case of emergencies
- Short-Term Rental and Business Licenses need to be renewed annually
- Your property is subject to future inspections to confirm that Building & Fire Codes are being maintained
I think I found someone operating a Short-Term Rental illegally, who do I call?
If you would like to report a potential illegal Short-Term Rental listing, please contact Tuscaloosa 311; either by dialing 311 (within City Limits) or Clicking the 311 icon at the bottom of this page.
In what way do I need to list the City of Tuscaloosa on my insurance; as an additional insurer or an interested party?
Please list the City of Tuscaloosa as an “additional interested party”
What if my neighborhood has restrictive covenants or a Homeowner’s Association that doesn’t allow short-term rentals?
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) by virtue of State Law and City of Tuscaloosa Ordinance does not have the jurisdiction or authority to consider, interpret and/or enforce any term or condition of subdivision covenants and/or Home Owners Association (HOA) rules or regulations. These matters are therefore not relevant areas of inquiry by the Board on any petition. Such covenants or regulations are between the private parties involved and not the ZBA. That having been said, any decision made by the ZBA on any particular case does not necessarily preclude the enforcement of such subdivision covenants and/or HOA rules or regulations by other lawful means.