What zoning rules apply to STRs in Murfreesboro?

Strictly prohibited in RS (Single Family Residential) zones for non-owner occupants.

What should Murfreesboro hosts know about combined tax rate is 14.75%?

Combined tax rate is 14.75% (9.75% sales tax + 5% city occupancy tax).

What are the key requirements for Murfreesboro hosts?

Registration with the Rutherford County Property Assessor is a state-mandated requirement often missed by hosts.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Murfreesboro?

HOAs in Murfreesboro have legal authority to prohibit STRs regardless of city zoning.

Murfreesboro

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

TennesseeLast updated: February 11, 2026

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Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Tenants cannot host
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

While Murfreesboro does not require a specific 'STR Permit' from the city, you must have a business license and register your property with the Rutherford County Property Assessor. Most importantly, non-owner occupied rentals are strictly prohibited in single-family residential (RS) zones, effectively limiting them to commercial and high-density multi-family districts.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Murfreesboro: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Murfreesboro: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Murfreesboro: Strictly prohibited in RS (Single Family Residential) zones for non-owner occupants.

Requirements(11)

•Murfreesboro: HOAs in Murfreesboro have legal authority to prohibit STRs regardless of city zoning.
•Murfreesboro STR warning: Combined tax rate is 14.75% (9.75% sales tax + 5% city occupancy tax).
•Murfreesboro STR warning: Registration with the Rutherford County Property Assessor is a state-mandated requirement often missed by hosts.
•Murfreesboro does not require STR registration.

Application Process(7)

•Murfreesboro STR permit - Step 4: Register for City Hotel/Motel Tax. Register your property with the Murfreesboro Finance & Tax Department to remit the 5% monthly occupancy tax. Required documents: Business License, Contact Information. Time: 1 week.

Taxes(3)

•Murfreesboro: Combined tax rate is 14.75% (9.75% sales tax + 5% city occupancy tax).
•Tennessee has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Murfreesboro occupancy calculation: Twice the number of permitted sleeping rooms plus 4, up to a maximum of 12. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Murfreesboro limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Murfreesboro enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Murfreesboro limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: Twice the number of permitted sleeping rooms plus 4, up to a maximum of 12

Safety Requirements(1)

•Murfreesboro requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Fire exit plans, Local contact available 24/7.

Penalties(1)

•Murfreesboro enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $50 fine. Second offense: $50 fine plus court costs. Third offense: Legal action for zoning violation. Daily fine: $50.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Other Tennessee Markets

Knoxville

Tennessee

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Nashville

Tennessee

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Gatlinburg

Tennessee

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Chattanooga

Tennessee

Prohibited

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Murfreesboro

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(7)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Murfreesboro

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Murfreesboro?

3Are there zoning restrictions for rentals in Murfreesboro?

4What are the registration requirements for hosts?

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