Mountain Brook sets limit to short-term rentals like Airbnb, VRBO

In the absence of a statewide strategy to regulate short-term housing rentals, the Mountain Brook City Council approved an ordinance last week to set the minimum time period for short-term rentals.

The ordinance, which amended Chapter 129 of the City Code, makes it unlawful to advertise or rent out a Mountain Brook residence for less than 30 consecutive days.

Under the new ordinance, people would still be able to rent out a room or home on sites such as Airbnb or VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner), but only if it’s for 30 or more days at a time.

According to the ordinance, it aims to protect the public health, safety and welfare while upholding the city’s standards in regard to residentially zoned property.

It’s passage comes in the wake of neighborhood residents feeling unsafe as rentals frequently change guests, and residents are unfamiliar with who’s staying nearby.