Short-term rentals
Montgomery's council page listed its short-term rental ordinance as proposed on October 13, 2026. The August 2026 draft would charge $250 a year per property and require an Alabama-licensed home inspector's report for a house.
For investors: Under the draft, operators already running when it takes effect would get 90 days to apply, and the owner would pay the third-party inspector. Budget $250 per address if it passes: an investor with three Montgomery listings would need three licenses, not one.
Montgomery's proposed short-term rental draft would require $1 million in liability coverage naming the city, cap guests at two per bedroom plus two, and require an agent within 30 miles who responds within one hour.
For investors: Under the draft, a three-bedroom Montgomery house would top out at eight guests. Out-of-town owners would need a local agent, and the policy would have to expressly cover short-term rental at that address, so price that coverage before closing on a planned nightly rental.
Source: City of Montgomery City Council, Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance, Sections 2, 5 and 6 (draft dated August 21, 2026; not adopted as of October 13, 2026), Oct 2026
Montgomery's code levies an 11% lodging tax on rooms rented to transients for under 180 consecutive days inside city limits, half that rate in the police jurisdiction, with monthly returns due by the 20th.
For investors: Because the line sits at 180 consecutive days, furnished stays of a few months, such as those booked by visiting military students or traveling medical staff, can still owe Montgomery lodging tax. Confirm whether your booking platform remits it or you file monthly.
Source: Montgomery Code of Ordinances Secs. 16-231 and 16-234 (Municode); City of Montgomery Lodging Tax Return form, Jul 2026