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Franklin

Tennessee · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Franklin Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateTennessee state sales tax (7%) plus applicable local sales and hotel occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state taxes; ope
Night / Day Cap113
Permit FeeCertificate of Use and Occupancy (STVR permit) required via Building and Neighborhood Services (BNS) Department; annual application required every 365
Penalties$50/day fine plus court costs per Tennessee state law for non-owner-occupied violations. License revocation possible after 3+ complaints. BNS written
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Occupancy LimitMaximum 10 guests reported in city regulations; property must have no more than 4 sleeping rooms per STVR definition (Municipal Code Sec. 13-201).
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Franklin Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Franklin Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Franklin, Tennessee are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Certificate of Use and Occupancy (STVR permit) required via Building and Neighborhood Services (BNS).

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Franklin

Short-term rental operators in Franklin should be aware of these tax obligations: Tennessee state sales tax (7%) plus applicable local sales and hotel occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state taxes; operator remains responsible for full compliance..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Franklin

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Franklin include: Primary residence requirement: Yes. Rental day cap: 113. Occupancy limit: Maximum 10 guests reported in city regulations; property must have no more than 4 sleeping rooms per STVR definition (Mu.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Franklin

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Franklin: Non-owner-occupied STRs banned in all zoning districts as of December 2019. Owner-occupied STRs permitted subject to permit requirements. Properties legally established and permitted as STVRs prior to. Density rules: No published density cap; non-owner-occupied STRs are banned citywide..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Franklin

Hosts who fail to comply with Franklin's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. $50/day fine plus court costs per Tennessee state law for non-owner-occupied violations. License revocation possible after 3+ complaints. BNS written warning issued on first complaint threshold. Munic.

Platform Obligations in Franklin

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Franklin: STR permit/certificate number required on listings. Upon 3 or more complaints (including calls to Franklin Police) within a calendar year, BNS notifies permit holder in writing. Continued violations m.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Certificate of Use and Occupancy (STVR permit) required via Building and Neighborhood Services (BNS) Department; annual application required every 365 days. Fee per Appendix A – Comprehensive Fees and Penalties of the Franklin Municipal Code. Business tax registration also required ($15 nominal business license registration fee per property reported).
Primary Residence Rule
Yes
Night / Day Cap
113
Occupancy Limit
Maximum 10 guests reported in city regulations; property must have no more than 4 sleeping rooms per STVR definition (Municipal Code Sec. 13-201).
Tax Rate
Tennessee state sales tax (7%) plus applicable local sales and hotel occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state taxes; operator remains responsible for full compliance.
Zoning Restrictions
Non-owner-occupied STRs banned in all zoning districts as of December 2019. Owner-occupied STRs permitted subject to permit requirements. Properties legally established and permitted as STVRs prior to the effective date of the current Zoning Ordinance (Jan. 13, 2026) are grandfathered (non-conforming use) per T.C.A. § 13-7-602 and § 13-7-603 until sold, transferred, or ceases STR use for 30 continuous months. Grandfathering continues through family-member ownership transfers (blood, marriage, civil union, adoption).
Density Rules
No published density cap; non-owner-occupied STRs are banned citywide.
Platform Obligations
STR permit/certificate number required on listings. Upon 3 or more complaints (including calls to Franklin Police) within a calendar year, BNS notifies permit holder in writing. Continued violations may result in permit revocation.
Compliance Notes
Franklin's STVR ordinance (Ordinance 2015-06 as amended, Title 13 Ch. 2, Franklin Municipal Code) requires: (1) annual Certificate of Use and Occupancy from BNS; (2) owner-occupancy of the rental property; (3) max 4 sleeping rooms; (4) rental capped at 113 days/year; (5) max 10 guests; (6) complaint-based enforcement (3-strike system). New Franklin Zoning Ordinance effective January 13, 2026 (Ordinance 2025-25) preserves grandfathering for pre-existing permitted STVRs per state law. Non-owner-occupied ban strictly enforced with fines of $50/day plus court costs per state law.
Effective Date
Ordinance 2015-06 (original); Non-owner-occupied ban: December 2019; New Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 2025-25): January 13, 2026
Key Notes
Franklin is one of Tennessee's most restrictive STR jurisdictions. The ban on non-owner-occupied STRs is heavily enforced. The city's official STVR page is at franklintn.gov/business/short-term-vacation-rentals. Tennessee's Short-Term Rental Unit Act (T.C.A. § 13-7-601 et seq.) legacy clause protects pre-existing licensed STRs from new restrictions until triggering events occur (sale, transfer, 30-month cessation, or 3 violations). Food and beverage service to guests is prohibited.
Penalties
$50/day fine plus court costs per Tennessee state law for non-owner-occupied violations. License revocation possible after 3+ complaints. BNS written warning issued on first complaint threshold. Municipal court action available.
Additional Context
Franklin defines 'Short Term Vacation Rental (STVR)' as a residential dwelling unit with no more than 4 sleeping rooms rented for transient occupancy. Units rented to the same occupant for more than 21 continuous days, B&Bs, boarding houses, hotels, and motels are excluded from the STVR definition. The city's Building and Neighborhood Services (BNS) Department is the primary enforcement and permitting authority.
Sources
City of Franklin Official STVR Page: https://www.franklintn.gov/business/short-term-vacation-rentals
Franklin Municipal Code Title 13, Ch. 2 (STVR): https://library.municode.com/tn/franklin
Franklin Zoning Ordinance (Eff. Jan. 13, 2026), Sec. 2.2.4: https://web.franklintn.gov/flippingbook/FranklinZoningOrdinance/16/
Ordinance 2015-06 (as amended): https://mcclibrarydevfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/14633/717288/pdf
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Franklin?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Franklin but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Franklin's STVR ordinance (Ordinance 2015-06 as amended, Title 13 Ch. 2, Franklin Municipal Code) requires: (1) annual Certificate of Use and Occupancy from BNS; (2) owner-occupancy of the rental prop

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Franklin?

Yes. Franklin requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Franklin?

Short-term rental hosts in Franklin are subject to the following tax obligations: Tennessee state sales tax (7%) plus applicable local sales and hotel occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state taxes; operator remains responsible for full compliance..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Franklin?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Franklin may face enforcement. $50/day fine plus court costs per Tennessee state law for non-owner-occupied violations. License revocation possible after 3+ complaints. BNS written warning issued on first complaint threshold. Municipal court action available..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Franklin?

Franklin is one of Tennessee's most restrictive STR jurisdictions. The ban on non-owner-occupied STRs is heavily enforced. The city's official STVR page is at franklintn.gov/business/short-term-vacation-rentals. Tennessee's Short-Term Rental Unit Act (T.C.A. § 13-7-601 et seq.) legacy clause protects pre-existing licensed STRs from new restrictions until triggering events occur (sale, transfer, 30

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