Alma Short-Term Rental Regulations

Short-term rentals are permitted throughout the Town of Alma, but the number of STR licenses is capped. As of August 2026, the Town allows a maximum of 17 licenses, with 15 currently active.

Alma recently updated its STR regulations under Ordinance 2026-08, including eliminating the previous 18-month ownership requirement and adding a minimum annual rental requirement.

STR License Availability

The Town maintains a first-come, first-served waitlist when licenses are unavailable. Because availability can change, buyers planning to operate a property as an STR should confirm the current license and waitlist status directly with the Town before purchasing.

No Minimum Ownership Period

Alma's former 18-month ownership requirement has been eliminated. A new homeowner may now apply for an STR permit without waiting 18 months, subject to the Town's license cap and application requirements.

60-Day Rental Requirement

STR license holders must rent their property for at least 60 days during each permit year.

If an owner falls short of the 60-day minimum, the Town allows the owner to pay a deficiency fee based on the property's average lodging tax remitted per rental day multiplied by the number of days below the requirement.

If the 60-day requirement is not met for two consecutive years, the Board of Trustees may hold a public hearing to determine whether the permit should be renewed.

Lodging Tax Reporting

Alma STR owners must submit their lodging tax report and payment by the 20th of each month for rentals occurring during the previous month.

Buying an STR in Alma?

Alma's removal of the 18-month ownership requirement makes STR ownership more accessible to new buyers, but the 17-license cap still makes license availability an important part of the purchase process.

The BuyBreck Team can help you evaluate properties, understand current STR regulations, and confirm licensing considerations before you buy.