Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Memphis?

**Yes**, Memphis requires a Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) Permit. You need to obtain this annual permit to legally operate your short-term rental. The permit application costs $50, and you must renew it every year to remain compliant with city regulations. See City Code Chapter 6-100.

What is the TOT tax rate in Memphis?

**3.5% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate in Memphis. In addition to this percentage, hosts must also pay a flat fee of $2.00 per night. You are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Check with the local finance department for details.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Memphis?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Memphis, but they are regulated. You need to obtain a Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) permit to operate legally. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units, so ensure you are compliant with all applicable requirements. See City Code Chapter 6-100.

How much does an STR permit cost in Memphis?

**$50** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) permit in Memphis. You must renew this permit every year to continue operating your short-term rental legally. This fee applies to both owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units. Make sure to apply through the city's designated portal.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Memphis?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Memphis. Only property owners are eligible to obtain a Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) permit. Renting out a property that you do not own is a violation of city regulations and could result in penalties.

Memphis

Moderate

TennesseeUpdated Apr 12, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in the City of Memphis, you must apply for a Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) permit from the City Treasurer's Office. There is a $50 annual fee, and you must provide proof of $1 million in liability insurance. While you don't necessarily have to live in the home (Type 2 permit), you must provide a local contact who can respond to issues within two hours. You are also required to display your permit number on your Airbnb listing and collect local taxes.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$50

Processing time14-30 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify if you are in 'Unincorporated Shelby County' or 'City of Memphis' as tax rates and enforcement differ.
2Memphis charges a $2.00 per night flat fee in addition to the 3.5% occupancy tax.
3Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 12 people regardless of house size.
4Every STRP must have a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 2 hours.
5Permits must be renewed annually or they will expire, leading to fines.
6Non-owner occupied permits (Type 2) may be subject to density caps or specific zoning restrictions in some districts.
7Failure to display the permit number in online listings is a citeable offense.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Memphis: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Memphis: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Memphis prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational vehicles, Campers, Tents.
Memphis does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements18 rules

Memphis: Every STRP must have a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 2 hours.
Memphis, TN: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
Memphis, TN: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application process9 rules

Memphis: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of ownership, Proof of primary residency (for Type 1), Proof of $1M liability insurance, Site plan/Floor plan, Local contact person info.

Fees & costs1 rule

Memphis charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Memphis charges a City Occupancy Tax of 3.5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb/VRBO remit State sales tax and the 3.5% city tax, but hosts may still be responsible for the $2.00/nightly fee if not collected by platform.
Tennessee has a state sales tax of 7% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions8 rules

Memphis enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Memphis, TN occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Memphis: Memphis charges a $2.00 per night flat fee in addition to the 3.5% occupancy tax.
Memphis: Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 12 people regardless of house size.

Safety requirements1 rule

Memphis requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan with emergency exits must be posted.

Penalties4 rules

Memphis enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $50 fine plus court costs. 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.
Memphis: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

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

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Memphis

Moderate

TennesseeUpdated Apr 12, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$50

Processing time14-30 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify if you are in 'Unincorporated Shelby County' or 'City of Memphis' as tax rates and enforcement differ.
2Memphis charges a $2.00 per night flat fee in addition to the 3.5% occupancy tax.
3Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 12 people regardless of house size.
4Every STRP must have a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 2 hours.
5Permits must be renewed annually or they will expire, leading to fines.
6Non-owner occupied permits (Type 2) may be subject to density caps or specific zoning restrictions in some districts.
7Failure to display the permit number in online listings is a citeable offense.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Memphis: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Memphis: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Memphis prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational vehicles, Campers, Tents.
Memphis does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements18 rules

Memphis: Every STRP must have a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 2 hours.
Memphis, TN: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
Memphis, TN: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application process9 rules

Memphis: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of ownership, Proof of primary residency (for Type 1), Proof of $1M liability insurance, Site plan/Floor plan, Local contact person info.

Fees & costs1 rule

Memphis charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Memphis charges a City Occupancy Tax of 3.5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb/VRBO remit State sales tax and the 3.5% city tax, but hosts may still be responsible for the $2.00/nightly fee if not collected by platform.
Tennessee has a state sales tax of 7% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions8 rules

Memphis enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Memphis, TN occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Memphis: Memphis charges a $2.00 per night flat fee in addition to the 3.5% occupancy tax.
Memphis: Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 12 people regardless of house size.

Safety requirements1 rule

Memphis requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan with emergency exits must be posted.

Penalties4 rules

Memphis enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $50 fine plus court costs. 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.
Memphis: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

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

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Memphis?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Memphis?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Memphis?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Memphis?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Memphis?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Memphis?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Memphis?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Memphis?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Memphis?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Memphis?

Disclaimer