LicensedRental

Alabama county rules

Russell County, AL vacation rental rules and taxes

Russell County adds a 2% lodgings tax (filed with the state) to the 4% state tax. Phenix City licenses short-term rentals and allows them by right only in its R-2 and R-3 residential zones.

Checked against official sources November 5, 2026
County lodging tax
2%
Filed with the state through My Alabama Taxes.Source
State lodgings tax
4%

What to do

  1. Register for the county lodging tax

    File the county’s 2% with the state tax through My Alabama Taxes.Source

  2. Then your city

    Pick your area.

Towns

Full guide

Phenix City

Phenix City requires a short-term rental license and certificate of occupancy for each property, insurance, a contact who answers within an hour, and proof that owners within 500 feet were notified in person or by certified mail. Its residential use table allows short-term rentals by right in R-2 and R-3 but not R-1; lodgings tax is 15%.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.