| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Proposed / pending |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — existing Memphis STR permit ordinance in effect. |
| Tax Rate | Memphis room/hotel occupancy tax 5% (city hotel-motel tax raised to 4% in April 2025 per one source); total sales tax 9.75%. Verify current combined r |
| Night / Day Cap | None / Unknown |
| Minimum Stay | Defined as transient occupancy of less than 30 continuous days; no compensation permitted for occupancy of less than 24 hours (day-use/hourly rentals |
| Permit Fee | Non-refundable application fee $75 cited in ordinance; later reporting indicates $300 initial / $150 renewal under a 2023 amendment; Shelby County ren |
| Penalties | Not specified in current reporting; existing ordinance penalties apply. |
| Primary Residence Required | No — Memphis allows non-owner-occupied STRs. |
| Occupancy Limit | No more than three sleeping rooms permitted per STR property. A widely applied (non-ordinance) working standard is two people per bedroom plus two add |
Short-term rental regulations in Memphis, Tennessee are currently under development or pending approval as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — existing Memphis STR permit ordinance in effect.. The associated permit fees are Non-refundable application fee $75 cited in ordinance; later reporting indicates $300 initial / $150.
Short-term rental operators in Memphis should be aware of these tax obligations: Memphis room/hotel occupancy tax 5% (city hotel-motel tax raised to 4% in April 2025 per one source); total sales tax 9.75%. Verify current combined rate.. Yes — register with the Shelby County Trustee's Office and the Tennessee Department of Revenue (TNTAP); collect/remit state sales and local occupancy .
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Memphis include: Primary residence requirement: No — Memphis allows non-owner-occupied STRs.. Rental day cap: None / Unknown. Occupancy limit: No more than three sleeping rooms permitted per STR property. A widely applied (non-ordinance) working standard is two p. Minimum stay: Defined as transient occupancy of less than 30 continuous days; no compensation permitted for occupancy of less than 24 .
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Memphis: STRs must be in permitted zoning districts; check zoning maps before applying. No neighborhood-level outright ban, but parcels rezoned from residential to commercial face an 18-month waiting period be. Density rules: Unknown — no explicit per-block cap identified for Memphis.. Insurance: Yes — proof of homeowner's fire, hazard, and liability insurance with liability limits of not less t.
Hosts who fail to comply with Memphis's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Not specified in current reporting; existing ordinance penalties apply..
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Memphis: Platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) may collect and remit taxes, but operators must verify compliance directly with tax authorities. Listing cannot advertise without a permit..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Short-term rental regulations in Memphis are currently under development. Rules may change as legislation is finalized. Memphis City Council is moving toward tighter STR enforcement following violence at rental gatherings. A March 2026 council resolution (STR Resolution 22426) directed the mayor's office to strengthen
Yes. Memphis requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — existing Memphis STR permit ordinance in effect..
Short-term rental hosts in Memphis are subject to the following tax obligations: Memphis room/hotel occupancy tax 5% (city hotel-motel tax raised to 4% in April 2025 per one source); total sales tax 9.75%. Verify current combined rate..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Memphis may face enforcement. Not specified in current reporting; existing ordinance penalties apply..
Memphis is tightening STR enforcement following a string of shootings at rental gatherings in late 2025 and early 2026. The city's July 21 committee hearing marks a formal step toward ordinance amendments. The administration has a 90-day mandate to recommend changes. No specific new rules are yet in effect, but operators should prepare for tighter event/party restrictions.
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