Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Knoxville, TN?

**Yes**, Knoxville requires a Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Operating Permit. You need to apply for a permit, which costs $70. Additionally, a fire safety inspection is required. Operating without a permit can result in fines. Make sure to post your permit number on your listing.

What is the TOT tax rate in Knoxville, TN?

**8% is** the current transient occupancy tax (TOT) rate for short-term rentals in Knoxville. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city monthly. This is in addition to the standard state sales tax. Make sure to register and remit taxes on time to avoid penalties.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Knoxville, TN?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Knoxville, but they are regulated through a three-tiered permit system. The type of permit you need depends on occupancy type and zoning. All hosts must obtain the appropriate permit and comply with safety regulations. Check local zoning laws for specific restrictions.

How much does an STR permit cost in Knoxville, TN?

**$70 is** the cost for a Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Operating Permit in Knoxville. This is a flat fee to apply for the permit. All hosts must obtain this permit, pass a fire safety inspection, and remit the required city occupancy taxes. Don't forget to factor in other potential business licensing costs.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Knoxville, TN?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb in Knoxville. Only property owners can apply for and obtain the required short-term rental permit. Renters interested in hosting should first seek permission from the property owner and ensure compliance with all local regulations before listing any property.

Knoxville, TN Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

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Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 33 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Knoxville, you must first determine your permit 'Type.' If it's your main home, you'll apply for a Type 1 permit; otherwise, you'll need a Type 2 or 3. You must have $1 million in insurance and pass a safety inspection by the Fire Marshal. Once permitted, you are required to post your permit number on your listing and pay monthly occupancy taxes to the city.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$70

Processing Time

14-30 days

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your property is within City Limits; Knoxville County has entirely different rules.
2.Type 2 permits (non-owner occupied) are capped at a certain number per building/neighborhood.
3.You must post a floor plan showing all emergency exits inside the rental unit.
4.The 8% City Occupancy Tax is often NOT fully collected by platforms; hosts must file monthly reports manually.
5.Permit numbers MUST be displayed on all advertising and online listings.
6.Only one STRU permit is allowed per person (cannot hold multiple Type 1 or 2 permits).

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Knoxville limits hosts to a maximum of 2 STR properties per owner.
•Knoxville: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Knoxville allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Condominiums, Duplexes, Townhomes.
•Knoxville: Type 2 permits (non-owner occupied) are strictly prohibited in most residential (R) zones.

Requirements(16)

•Knoxville STR warning: Verify you are within City Limits; being in Knoxville (mailing address) does NOT mean you are in the City jurisdiction vs Unincorporated County.
•Knoxville requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: 1,000,000. Insurance certificate must specifically cover short-term rentals.

Application Process(8)

•Knoxville STR permit - Step 1: Obtain City Business License. All STR operators must first obtain a standard City of Knoxville business license from the Business Tax Office. Required documents: Business registration forms. Time: 1-5 days. Cost: 15.
•Knoxville STR permit - Step 4: Pass Safety Inspection. Schedule and pass an inspection by the City's Plans Review and Inspections Division. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Knoxville charges a registration fee of $70 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $120 (Type 2 and Type 3 permits are $120 annually; Type 1 is $70 annually.).

Taxes(4)

•Knoxville: Hosts must file monthly tax returns even if the rental platform remits 100% of the taxes.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Knoxville limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: Two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.
•Knoxville limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Knoxville: Maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 persons regardless of the house size.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Knoxville requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Working landline if cell coverage is poor, Evacuation plan posted.

Penalties(2)

•Knoxville enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $50 fine per day. Second offense: Suspension of permit. Third offense: Revocation of permit. Daily fine: $50. Maximum fine: $50 per day per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Knoxville: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Knoxville: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Knoxville exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Knoxville

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Knoxville

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Knoxville, TN?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Knoxville, TN?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Knoxville, TN?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Knoxville, TN?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Knoxville, TN?

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