Comprehensive short-term rental guides for 14 markets in Tennessee.
4 markets
Tennessee
The City of Chattanooga requires a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Certificate for all rentals under 30 days. Regulations distinguish between owner-occupied 'Homestays' and non-owner occupied rentals, with the latter being strictly limited to specific zoning districts and the STVR Overlay District.
Murfreesboro regulates short-term rentals through strict zoning prohibitions in residential areas and requires registration with the Rutherford County Property Assessor and payment of a 5% city occupancy tax.
Short-term rentals (stays under 90 days) are strictly prohibited in all single-family residential districts in Brentwood.
Clarksville requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit from the Building and Codes Department, pass a fire safety inspection, and maintain liability insurance.
2 markets
Short-term rentals in Franklin, TN, are regulated and require a permit. They are defined as residential dwelling units rented in their entirety for less than 21 days. Regulations include obtaining a permit, adhering to rules such as guest limits and parking, and complying with zoning and occupancy requirements. Owner-occupancy may be required in some residential areas, and rentals may be limited to a maximum number of days per year.
Short-term rentals in Cookeville require a city permit, an annual fire inspection, and both city and county business licenses.
7 markets
The City of Knoxville regulates short-term rentals through a three-tiered permit system based on occupancy type and zoning. All hosts must obtain a permit, pass a fire safety inspection, and remit a combined 8% city occupancy tax in addition to state sales tax.
Nashville has a strict STRP permitting system that differentiates between owner-occupied and investment properties. Non-owner occupied permits are increasingly restricted in residential zones following legislation passed in 2018 and subsequent updates.
The City of Gatlinburg requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual STR Permit and a City Business License. Compliance includes a mandatory fire safety inspection and the collection of a 2.125% local Transient Occupancy Tax in addition to state sales tax.
In unincorporated Sevier County, short-term rentals are regulated under Article XIV of the Zoning Resolution, requiring a one-time $250 permit and annual renewals. Hosts must strictly adhere to occupancy limits based on septic system capacity and collect a 3% local Hotel/Motel tax in addition to state sales tax.
Johnson City does not have specific land use or zoning regulations for short-term rentals but requires a standard business license and the collection of a 7% city occupancy tax.
Short-term rentals in Memphis are regulated under City Code Chapter 6-100, which requires all hosts to obtain an annual STRP permit. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units, and hosts are required to pay a 3.5% occupancy tax plus a $2.00 per night flat fee.
The City of Pigeon Forge regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes' under Title 9, Chapter 7 of the municipal code. Hosts must obtain a $50 annual permit, a city business license, and remit a 2.5% Gross Receipts tax monthly.
1 market
The City of Sevierville does not have a specific short-term rental permit; instead, it regulates STRs through standard zoning (Tourist Homes) and general business licensing. Hosts must remit a total tax rate of approximately 12.75%, which includes the state sales tax, Sevier County hotel tax, and Sevierville's 2% privilege tax.